Thermoelectric Material Cu26-xMxA2E6-yS32 ZT Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoelectric conversion materials, such as colusites, have limited improvements in thermoelectric figure of merit ZT, with introduction of Sn defects showing only minor enhancements, and selecting homologous elements like Nb or Ta does not significantly improve performance.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric conversion material represented by Chemical Formula Cu26-xMxA2E6-yS32, where M includes Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, A includes Nb or Ta, and E includes Si, Ge, Sn, with x and y values adjusted to control valence numbers and introduce defects, resulting in improved thermoelectric figure of merit ZT exceeding conventional values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Sn defect is introduced to Cu26V2Sn6S32 to improve thermoelectric figure of merit ZT, then ZT increases slightly from 0.56 to 0.62, but the improvement is insufficient and does not reach the target performance level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental composition parameters by replacing V with Nb or Ta and adjusting the Sn content to create defects. This parameter change transforms the base material from Cu26V2Sn6S32 to Cu26-xMxA2E6-yS32, enabling ZT to exceed 0.73 and reach above 0.78 at 389°C, significantly improving conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by combining multiple elements (Cu, Mn/Fe/Co/Ni/Zn, Nb/Ta, Si/Ge/Sn, S) in specific ratios. The multi-element composition Cu26-xMxA2E6-yS32 synergistically improves thermoelectric performance, achieving ZT > 0.73 through the combined effects of different elements rather than single-element modifications
2Adaptability or versatility
If homologous elements Nb or Ta are selected to replace V in colusite structure, then the material composition changes, but the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT does not significantly improve without additional defect introduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simultaneously changes two parameters: the A-site element (V→Nb/Ta) and the E-site element content (Sn deficiency to create defects). This dual parameter change is necessary to achieve significant ZT improvement, as neither change alone is sufficient. The composition Cu26-xMxA2E6-yS32 with x>0 and y>0 achieves ZT > 0.73
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-element composite where Nb or Ta works synergistically with Sn defects to achieve high ZT. The composite material Cu26-xMxA2E6-yS32 combines the benefits of Nb/Ta (enhancing electrical conductivity) with Sn defects (reducing thermal conductivity), achieving superior thermoelectric performance that neither element alone can provide
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed material achieves a thermoelectric figure of merit ZT exceeding 0.78 at 389°C, significantly surpassing previous records, demonstrating enhanced conversion efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The technique converting thermal energy to electric energy is called thermoelectric power generation and is based on the Seebeck effect, one of the thermoelectric effects
Implementation Method 2
the conversion from electric energy to thermal energy is based on the Peltier effect, another thermoelectric effect, and is applied to cooling or precise temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a thermoelectric conversion material having low environmental load and an excellent thermoelectric figure of merit ZT and a thermoelectric conversion module including the thermoelectric conversion material. A thermoelectric conversion material of the present invention is characterized by being a compound represented by Chemical Formula (1).Cu26-xMxA2E6-yS32 (1)In Chemical Formula (1), M represents a metal material including at least one of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Zn; A represents a metal material including at least one of Nb and Ta; E represents a metal material including at least one of Si, Ge, and Sn; x represents a numerical value of 0 or more and 4 or less; and y represents a numerical value of more than 0 and 1 or less.