Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of Synthetic Tetrahedrites

Electrical and thermal transport properties of synthetic tetrahedrites Cu10TM2Sb4S13 (TM = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn) and the solid solution Cu12–x Mn x Sb4S13 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) have been studied in the context of thermoelectric performance. Among these materials, the parent compound Cu12Sb4S13 exhibits the highest power factor, which is primarily derived from a high electrical conductivity. All substituted derivatives display a significant and uniform reduction in thermal conductivity. Within the TM series, the Mn-substituted sample displays the highest ZT (0.8 at 575 K). Changing the Mn concentration to Cu11MnSb4S13 produces the highest ZT, i.e., 1.13 at 575 K. The relatively high value derives from a favorable balance of low thermal conductivity and a relatively high power factor.