Research Progress on Mg3Sb2-Based Thermoelectric Materials

Abstract

Since the n-type conduction was first discovered, the non-toxic and low-cost Mg3Sb2-based thermoelectric materials have been intensively studied, and likely to become alternative ones to the only large-scale commercialized Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric compounds. This review covers the principle of the mutual conversion of heat and electricity, crystal structure, electronic structure, and p/n-type thermoelectric properties of Mg3Sb2-based materials. Besides, the optimization strategies and underlying mechanisms for improving thermoelectric performance of Mg3Sb2 compounds are briefly analyzed, such as doping, alloying, grain size regulation, and energy band structure design, together with their effects on carrier concentration, carrier scattering, mobility, and Seebeck coefficient. Finally, preliminary research results of Mg3Sb2-based thermoelectric materials applied to power generation and refrigeration, along with the problems related to the future module application, are also discussed.

Keywords

• mg3sb2-based materials
• crystal structure
• electronic structure
• thermoelectric properties