Large theoretical thermoelectric power factor of suspended single-layer MoS2

We have calculated the semi-classical thermoelectric power factor of suspended single-layer (SL)-MoS2 utilizing electron relaxation times derived from ab initio calculations. Measurements of the thermoelectric power factor of SL-MoS2 on substrates reveal poor power factors. In contrast, we find the thermoelectric power factor of suspended SL-MoS2 to peak at similar to 2.8 x 10(4) mu W/m K-2 at 300K, at an electron concentration of 10(12) cm(-2). This figure is higher than that in bulk Bi2Te3, for example. Given its relatively high thermal conductivity, suspended SL-MoS2 may hold promise for in-plane thin-film Peltier coolers, provided reasonable mobilities can be realized. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.