Large Enhancements in the Thermoelectric Power Factor of Bulk PbTe at High Temperature by Synergistic Nanostructuring

Abstract

Co-nanostructuring of PbTe with two kinds of metallic nanoparticles (Pb and Sb) can significantly increase its power factor at high temperatures (up to 87 % at 700 K; see picture, ZT=figure of merit). The electrical conductivity is dramatically increased at high temperatures without degrading the thermopower. This emergent synergy results only when both Pb and Sb nanocrystals are present. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.