Optimizing thermoelectric performance in AgSbSe2 through surface engineering

AgSbSe2 is a promising p-type thermoelectric (TE) material due to its intrinsically high Seebeck coefficient and low thermal conductivity. However, its low carrier concentration significantly limits its overall performance. This study addresses these challenges by employing surface treatment of AgSbSe2 nanocrystals with varying amounts of CdSe molecular complexes. This method incorporates Cd into the AgSbSe2 matrix during annealing and consolidation process, optimizing charge carriers and enhancing electrical performance. Notably, the AgSbSe2-6%CdSe sample demonstrates significantly improved TE performance, achieving a zTmaxvalue of 0.73 at 700 K, representing a 1.8-fold enhancement over bare AgSbSe2. This study introduces a solution-processed strategy to optimize the TE properties of AgSbSe2, providing valuable insights into high-performance TE systems.