Band engineering of high performance p-type FeNbSb based half-Heusler thermoelectric materials for figure of merit zT > 1

Abstract

We report new p-type FeNb_1−xTi_xSb (0.04 ≤ x ≤ 0.24) half-Heusler thermoelectric materials with a maximum zT of 1.1 at 1100 K, which is twice that of the ZrCoSb half-Heusler alloys. The electrical properties are optimized by a tradeoff between the band effective mass and mobility via a band engineering approach. A high content of Ti up to x = 0.2 optimizes the power factor and reduces the lattice thermal conductivity. In view of abundantly available elements, good stability and high zT, FeNb_1−xTi_xSb alloys could be promising materials for high temperature power generation.