Enhancement of the thermoelectric performance of CuInTe₂ via SnO₂ in situ replacement

In situ induced nanostructure is employed as an alternative way to enhance the thermoelectric performance of p-type CuInTe₂ based thermoelectric materials in this work. Dispersive In₂O₃ nanoparticles are formed in the samples with SnO₂ by virtue of the in situ replacement of SnO₂ and CuInTe₂. As a result, an obvious reduction in the thermal conductivity has been achieved due to the intensive scattering of phonon by the in situ formed In₂O₃ nanoparticles. In addition, the power factor of CuInTe₂ is less effected by SnO₂ additive. Eventually, an enhanced ZT of 1.1 at 823 K has been achieved for the CuInTe₂–0.5% SnO₂ sample.