Influence of structure phase transition on the thermoelectric properties of Cu2Se1−xTex liquid-like compounds

Copper chalcogenide Cu2(Se,Te) compounds are well known as typical p-type thermoelectric materials with a figure of merit (ZT) that can be optimized by the ratio of Se : Te. Here, by using the mechanical alloying and solid-state reaction methods, Te was substituted into Se sites within Cu2Se as the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:RSC advances 2022-09, Vol.12 (40), p.26383-26389
Main Authors: Trung Kien Mac, Ta, Thi Thu, Huu Tuan Nguyen, Van Du Nguyen, Thi Lan Huong Pham, Van Thiet Duong, Tran, Dang Thanh, Phan, Bach Thang, Anh Tuan Duong
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemistry
Copper selenides
Electrical resistivity
Figure of merit
Grain size
Mechanical alloying
Morphology
Phase transitions
Power factor
Seebeck effect
Tellurium
Thermoelectric materials
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Summary:Copper chalcogenide Cu2(Se,Te) compounds are well known as typical p-type thermoelectric materials with a figure of merit (ZT) that can be optimized by the ratio of Se : Te. Here, by using the mechanical alloying and solid-state reaction methods, Te was substituted into Se sites within Cu2Se as the formula Cu2Se1−xTex (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, and 0.3). The observed changes in structural phase, grain morphologies, and grain size were recorded by XRD and FE-SEM imaging with the appearance of the secondary phase of Cu2Te, with a Te content of x = 0.25. The layered structure morphology was observed more clearly at the high Te content. The electrical conductivity was greatly increased with enriched Te content while the maximum Seebeck coefficient was obtained in the Cu2Se0.75Te0.25 sample. Accordingly, a power factor value of up to 9.84 μW cm−1 K−2 at 773 K was achieved. The appearance of a Cu2Te phase with a Te content of 0.25 created a structural phase transition which results in a ZT value of 1.35 at 773 K in the Cu2Se0.75Te0.25 sample.
ISSN:2046-2069
DOI:10.1039/d2ra04268a