Band engineering of high performance p-type FeNbSb based half-Heusler thermoelectric materials for figure of merit zT > 1

We report new p-type FeNb sub(1-x)Ti sub(x)Sb (0.04 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 0.24) half-Heusler thermoelectric materials with a maximum zTof 1.1 at 1100 K, which is twice that of the ZrCoSb half-Heusler alloys. The electrical properties are optimized by a tradeoff between the band effective mass and mobility viaa band engineering approach. A high content of Ti up to x= 0.2 optimizes the power factor and reduces the lattice thermal conductivity. In view of abundantly available elements, good stability and high zT, FeNb sub(1-x)Ti sub(x)Sb alloys could be promising materials for high temperature power generation.