Abstract
Low-grade heat harvesting by thermoelectric technology can contribute to efficient energy utilization. However, the large-scale application of thermoelectric devices is partially hindered by their unsatisfactory performance and relatively high cost. Here we prepared a cost-effective n-type Mg3Bi2-based compound with a peak zT of 1.24 at 573 K. A unicouple comprised of n-type Mg3.2Bi1.29Sb0.7Te0.01 and p-type Bi0.2Sb1.8Te3 was constructed and its energy conversion efficiency was evaluated. The unicouple exhibited a record-high efficiency of (9.0 ± 0.5)% or (8.3 ± 0.4)% [considering the radiation heat loss] under a temperature difference of 265 K at the hot-side temperature of 573 K. Our results demonstrate the great potential of Mg3Bi2-based materials for low-grade heat recovery.
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