Simultaneous enhancement of thermoelectric performance and mechanical properties in Bi2Te3 via Ru compositing

Recently, researchers have been exploring the optimization of the thermoelectric properties of composite materials. Composite technology with many successful cases of enhancement in thermoelectric properties have been confirming effectively to optimize thermoelectric materials. In this study, Ru nano-micro composite particles were successfully introduced in commercial bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) as second phase to simultaneously optimize the thermoelectric and mechanical properties. In a Bi2Te3 sample containing 1 wt% Ru ( + 1 wt% Ru), the ZT peak was measured to be 0.93 (at 150 degrees C) and the maximum Vickers hardness was measured to be 2.38 GPa. These values exceeded the values of a pure sample by 45.3% and 36%, respectively. The average ZT of the + 1 wt % Ru sample at 50-200 degrees C was 0.86, which is comparable with the Bi2Te3-xSex system. By varying the Ru content, the components, microstructure, thermoelectric and mechanical properties of Bi2Te3 were manipulated and their interdependence demonstrated. The extent to which the thermoelectric and mechanical properties of Bi2Te3 can be optimized, via Ru compositing and nano-Bi2Te3 producing, is related by the complex nano-micro composite structure. The superior thermoelectric properties of composite materials hold great the commercial value and may reduce the input of raw materials.

Automated summary

Researchers have successfully optimized the thermoelectric and mechanical properties of commercial bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) by introducing Ru nano-micro composite particles as a second phase. By varying the Ru content, the properties of Bi2Te3 can be manipulated, potentially reducing the input of raw materials and holding great commercial value due to the superior thermoelectric properties of composite materials.