Synergistic boost of output power density and efficiency in In-Li–codoped SnTe

Significance In the search for high-performance thermoelectric materials, in addition to conversion efficiency, output power density is also an important consideration for practical applications in generating electrical energy from solar or waste heat. We designed and fabricated an SnTe-based material that exhibits both high conversion efficiency and high output power density by indium and lithium codoping. Indium doping realizes the resonant state in the compound, while lithium doping further increases its carrier concentration by acting as an acceptor as well as dramatically reducing its lattice thermal conductivity by forming disperse precipitates. This work provides an example for finding high-performance thermoelectric materials that are suitable for practical application and provides guidance for future research.