Realizing High Thermoelectric Performance in p-Type SnSe Crystals via Convergence of Multiple Electronic Valence Bands.

Abstract

SnSe crystals have gained considerable interest for their outstanding thermoelectric performance. Here, we achieve excellent thermoelectric properties in Sn0.99-xPbxZn0.01Se crystals via valence band convergence and point-defect engineering strategies. We demonstrate that Pb and Zn codoping converges the energy offset between multiple valence bands by significantly modifying the band structure, contributing to the enhancement of the Seebeck coefficient. The carrier concentration and electrical conductivity can be optimized, leading to an enhanced power factor. The dual-atom point-defect effect created by the substitution of Pb and Zn in the SnSe lattice introduces strong phonon scattering, significantly reducing the lattice thermal conductivity to as low as 0.284 W m-1 K-1. As a result, a maximum ZT value of 1.9 at 773 K is achieved in Sn0.93Pb0.06Zn0.01Se crystals along the bc-plane direction. This study highlights the crucial role of manipulating multiple electronic valence bands in further improving SnSe thermoelectrics.