A Route to High Thermoelectric Performance: Solution-Based Control of Microstructure and Composition in Ag2Se

Tuesday publication post! In this newest research, authors look at thermoelectric materials which can convert heat into electricity. Using the #FusionAX system, they were able to follow grain boundary changes at elevated temperatures!

Taditional high-temperature synthetic methods are normally hindered in synthetic methods, the ability to surpass crystal structure limitations and engineer defects. In this study, a new synthesis method is explored by the usage of powders and densification at lower temperatures.

This latest study focuses on Ag2Se, an n-type alternative to bismuth telluride. Through meticulous control of sintering temperature, a direct correlations between the concentration of Ag interstitials, grain boundaries, dislocations, and material microstructure was observed.

The microstructrual changes were followed using in situ electron microscopy at elevated temperatures. Starting from focused ion beam (FIB) lamella preparation, the samples were heated up to 160 °C to observe grain orientation and coalescence.

These examples emphasize the transformative potential of innovative synthetic approaches in reshaping the landscape of thermoelectric materials and opening avenues for unprecedented advancements in the field.

The video shows both the microstructural transformation (right) and the diffraction pattern (left) during the transformation.

Want to read the entire study? Find it here:
https://www.doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202400408

#Protochips #Findyourbreakthrough #InSituElectronMicroscopy #ThermoelectricMaterials #MaterialScience #Innovation