Work

Synergistic modulation of thermoelectric performance and oxidation resistance in half-Heuslers via rational multi-doping

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Although half-Heuslers have been explored for more than two decades as emerging thermoelectric (TE) materials—owing to their high TE performance and phase stability at high temperatures—industrial adoption has not yet been realized. A major barrier is their susceptibility to oxidation, which acts as a single-point veto that limits long-term operation in air. Here, taking ZrCoSb-based half-Heuslers as examples, we develop a simple but effective approach to synergistically improve both oxidation resistance and TE performance via rational multi-element doping. It is revealed that different dopants affect TE transport and oxidation behavior in distinct, temperature-dependent ways, motivating a tailored multi-doping design to enhance intrinsic oxidation resistance while maintaining competitive high zT across the relevant service-temperature range. The resulting doping-segmented TE device is experimentally verified to realize double excellence—high power output and long-term durability in air—highlighting its industrial feasibility.

Source: Newton

DOI: 10.1016/j.newton.2026.100623

Authors: Jinyu Gu, Qingfeng Song, Yi-Yang Sun, Lidong Chen, Shengqiang Bai

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,460