Anharmonic Convergence: Tuning Two Dials on Phonons for High zT in p-type PbTe

Thermoelectric materials development is a complex balancing act between electronic and thermal transport properties, which often have opposing optimization strategies. Researchers are always seeking new options for tailoring thermoelectric materials. In this issue of Joule, Pei, Ge, and colleagues unveil a new two-pronged attack for reducing thermal conductivity without perturbing electrical conductivity. This approach, yielding high zT values exceeding 2.5 at 900 K, should inspire similar approaches in other common thermoelectric materials.