Synthesis of SnSe1-XSX Polycrystals with Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties Via Hydrothermal Methods Combined with Spark Plasma Sintering

Tin selenide (SnSe) with low thermal conductivity has been widely studied in the last few years because it is most promising for further thermoelectric applications. The low electrical conductivity is the main problem that limits the improvement of its thermoelectric properties. The SnSe1-xSx (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5) bulk samples were synthesized by the hydrothermal method, followed by spark plasma sintering. The thermal conductivity of SnSe was tuned and reduced at various temperature ranges by adjusting the amount of S added, and the low kappa t of 0.26 W.m(-1).K-1 for the SnSe0.5S0.5 sample was obtained at 773 K due to the S alloying and nanostructure. The peak power factor of 437 mu W.m(-1).K-2 for the SnSe0.7S0.3 sample was gained at 773 K. Consequently, a peak ZT value of 1.2 for the SnSe0.7S0.3 sample at 773 K was obtained, which is approximately three times that of the pure sample. The results demonstrate that S alloying can effectively improve the thermoelectric properties of SnSe materials at various temperatures.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates that S alloying can effectively improve the thermoelectric properties of SnSe materials, achieving an ideal ZT value at 773K.