The improvement of thermoelectric properties of SnSe by alkali metal doping

Selenium selenide (SnSe) has attracted widespread attention because of its environmental friendliness and ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity. Single-crystal SnSe has been discovered to exhibit a high ZT value, but its mechanical qualities are weak and its manufacturing process is complicated, rendering it unsuitable for commercial usage. Polycrystalline SnSe is facile to synthesis; however, due to its weakened electrical performance, it has a poor thermoelectric property. In this study, polycrystalline SnSe samples are prepared using hydrothermal synthesis combined with vacuum sintering, and their thermoelectric properties are modulated using alkali metal element doping.

Automated summary

Selenium selenide (SnSe) has gained attention for its environmental friendliness and low thermal conductivity. Single-crystal SnSe has high thermoelectric properties but is mechanically weak and difficult to manufacture, making it not suitable for commercial usage. Polycrystalline SnSe is easier to synthesize but has poor thermoelectric performance. In this study, polycrystalline SnSe samples are prepared using hydrothermal synthesis combined with vacuum sintering, and their thermoelectric properties are modified through alkali metal element doping.