Article (Scientific journals)
Low-Dimensional Transport and Large Thermoelectric Power Factors in Bulk Semiconductors by Band Engineering of Highly Directional Electronic States
Bilc, Daniel; Hautier, Geoffroy; Waroquiers, David et al.
2015In Physical Review Letters, 114
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Abstract :
[en] Thermoelectrics are promising for addressing energy issues but their exploitation is still hampered by low efficiencies. So far, much improvement has been achieved by reducing the thermal conductivity but less by maximizing the power factor. The latter imposes apparently conflicting requirements on the band structure: a narrow energy distribution and a low effective mass. Quantum confinement in nanostructures andtheintroductionofresonantstatesweresuggestedaspossiblesolutionstothisparadox,butwithlimited success. Here, we propose an original approach to fulfill both requirements in bulk semiconductors. It exploits the highly directional character of some orbitals to engineer the band structure and produce a type of low-dimensional transport similar to that targeted in nanostructures, while retaining isotropic properties. Using first-principle calculations, the theoretical concept is demonstrated in Fe2YZ Heusler compounds, yielding power factors 4 to 5 times larger than in classical thermoelectrics at room temperature. Our findings are totally generic and rationalize the search of alternative compounds with similar behavior. Beyond thermoelectricity, these might be relevant also in the context of electronic, superconducting, or photovoltaic applications.
Disciplines :
Physics
Author, co-author :
Bilc, Daniel ;  Université de Liège > Département de physique > Physique théorique des matériaux
Hautier, Geoffroy
Waroquiers, David
Rignanese, Gian-Marco
Ghosez, Philippe  ;  Université de Liège > Département de physique > Physique théorique des matériaux
Language :
English
Title :
Low-Dimensional Transport and Large Thermoelectric Power Factors in Bulk Semiconductors by Band Engineering of Highly Directional Electronic States
Publication date :
2015
Journal title :
Physical Review Letters
ISSN :
0031-9007
eISSN :
1079-7114
Publisher :
American Physical Society, Ridge, United States - New York
Volume :
114
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Available on ORBi :
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