Recent Developments inβ-Zn4Sb3Based Thermoelectric Compounds

Abstract

Thermoelectricity has been recognized as an environmentally friendly energy conversion technology due to its ability to directly achieve conversion between heat and electricity for a long time.β-Zn4Sb3has attracted considerable interest as promising thermoelectric material in the moderate temperature range (500 K–900 K), which is the temperature range of most industrial waste heat sources. In this paper, first we present the structure ofβ-Zn4Sb3and the traditional doping strategy used to enhance its performance. Next, we review the details of some new methods utilized for improving the thermoelectric properties ofβ-Zn4Sb3and its thermal stability as well as reliability. Finally, the review finishes with highlighting some promising strategies for future research directions in the material.