Enhanced thermoelectric properties by Ir doping of PtSb2 with pyrite structure

TL;DR

This study investigates how Ir doping improves the thermoelectric performance of PtSb2 with pyrite structure, revealing a transition from semiconducting to metallic behavior and enhanced power factor.

Contribution

It demonstrates that Ir doping induces a semiconducting to metallic transition and significantly enhances thermoelectric properties in PtSb2.

Findings

Transition from semiconducting to metallic behavior at x=0.01

Maximum power factor of 43 μW/cmK^2 at 400 K for x=0.01

Pudding mold electronic band explains property enhancement

Abstract

The effects of Ir doping on the thermoelectric properties of Pt1-xIrxSb2 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.03, and 0.1) with pyrite structure were studied. Measurements of electrical resistivity rho, Seebeck coefficient S, and thermal conductivity kappa were conducted. The results showed an abrupt change from semiconducting behavior without Ir (x = 0) to metallic behavior at x = 0.01. The sample with x = 0.01 exhibited large S and low rho, resulting in a maximum power factor (S^2/rho) of 43 muW/cmK^2 at 400 K. The peculiar "pudding mold"-type electronic band dispersion could explain the enhanced thermoelectric properties in the metallic state.