Issue 8, 2024

A high performance eco-friendly MgAgSb-based thermoelectric power generation device near phase transition temperatures

Abstract

The utilization of thermoelectric (TE) technology for eco-friendly energy harvesting presents a promising solution for off-grid power generation from waste heat. Despite the dominance of Bi2Te3 TE devices in the current market, their widespread application is hindered by the scarcity of Te and the fragile electrode contact interface. In this study, we introduce a novel thermoelectric interface material (TEiM), AgMgMn0.1, for the MgAgSb TE material, utilizing a multi-element alloying approach. This results in an advanced interface with a high bonding strength of 34.5 MPa and a low contact resistivity of 4.5 μΩ cm2, thereby overcoming the phase transition stress. In situ microstructure characterization and simulation demonstrate robust stability near phase transition temperatures and a low maximum von Mises stress, respectively. Additionally, we achieved a high performance MgAgSb-based device, with a maximum conversion efficiency of 9.1% at a temperature difference of 325 °C. These values surpass those of commercial Bi2Te3 products at low-grade temperature ranges. Eco-friendly MgAgSb-based Te-free TE devices offer a reliable solution for waste heat harvesting.

Graphical abstract: A high performance eco-friendly MgAgSb-based thermoelectric power generation device near phase transition temperatures

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
02 Jan 2024
Accepted
13 Mar 2024
First published
21 Mar 2024

Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 2879-2887

A high performance eco-friendly MgAgSb-based thermoelectric power generation device near phase transition temperatures

X. Wu, Y. Lin, C. Liu, Y. Wang, H. Li, B. Ge and W. Liu, Energy Environ. Sci., 2024, 17, 2879 DOI: 10.1039/D4EE00019F

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