Ag2Q-Based (Q = S, Se, Te) Silver Chalcogenide Thermoelectric Materials

Thermoelectric technology provides a promising solution to sustainable energy utilization and scalable power supply. Recently, Ag(2)Q-based (Q = S, Se, Te) silver chalcogenides have come forth as potential thermoelectric materials that are endowed with complex crystal structures, high carrier mobility coupled with low lattice thermal conductivity, and even exceptional plasticity. This review presents the latest advances in this material family, from binary compounds to ternary and quaternary alloys, covering the understanding of multi-scale structures and peculiar properties, the optimization of thermoelectric performance, and the rational design of new materials. The composition-phase structure-thermoelectric/mechanical properties correlation is emphasized. Flexible and hetero-shaped thermoelectric prototypes based on Ag(2)Q materials are also demonstrated. Several key problems and challenges are put forward concerning further understanding and optimization of Ag(2)Q-based thermoelectric chalcogenides.

Automated summary

Ag(2)Q-based materials, such as silver chalcogenides, have complex crystal structures, high carrier mobility, low lattice thermal conductivity, and exceptional plasticity, making them potential thermoelectric materials. This review focuses on the latest advances in this material family, including the understanding of multi-scale structures and peculiar properties, the optimization of thermoelectric performance, and the rational design of new materials. The correlation between composition-phase structure and thermoelectric/mechanical properties is emphasized. Flexible and hetero-shaped thermoelectric prototypes based on Ag(2)Q materials are also demonstrated. Several key problems and challenges for further understanding and optimization of Ag(2)Q-based thermoelectric chalcogenides are proposed.