Long-Range Cationic Order Collapse Triggered by S/Cl Mixed-Anion Occupancy Yields Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties in Cu5Sn2S7

Abstract

To investigate pathways to adjust the charge carrier concentration and optimize the thermoelectric properties, we characterized structural properties, thermal stability, and thermoelectric performance of pristine and Cl-doped Cu5+εSn2−εS7. We demonstrate that Cl doping in Cu5Sn2S7-type monoclinic compounds induces a collapse of the long-range cationic ordering, ultimately leading to a sphalerite-type cubic phase characterized by ordered [Sn(S,Cl)4]x clusters. The change in crystal structure symmetry upon Cl doping is analyzed by Rietveld refinements against X-ray powder diffraction data, transmission electron microscopy, Mössbauer and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and low- and high-temperature transport property measurements. The thermoelectric properties of the so-obtained cubic sphalerite Cu5+εSn2−εS7–yCly (0 ≤ ε ≤ 0.133, y = 0.35, 0.70) are strongly enhanced with respect to the undoped Cu5Sn2S7: the power factor improves slightly while both electronic and lattice contributions to the thermal conductivity are reduced. Overall, single-phase Cl-doped Cu5.133Sn1.866S7–yCly (y = 0.35, 0.70) compounds exhibit high thermoelectric performance, reaching a maximum ZT of 0.45 at 670 K.