A major challenge in thermoelectrics (TEs) is developing devices made of sustainable, abundant, and non-toxic materials. Furthermore, the technological drive toward low sizes makes crucial the study of nano and micro configurations. In this work, thin film TE devices based on p-type Cu2+xZn1-xSnS4 and Cu2+xZn1-xSnSe4, and n-type AlyZn1-yO are fabricated by physical vapor deposition. The kesterite phases show good purity and promising TE power factor, likely enhanced by the copper–zinc order–disorder transition. Thin film generators in planar configuration are assembled by a sequential deposition of the p-type, n-type, and contact materials. The power per unit planar area reaches 153 and 279 nW cm-2 for the sulphur- and selenium-based generators, respectively. These values significantly outperform any other literature attempt based on sustainable and low-cost thin films. Furthermore, if compared with traditional TEs often made of scarce and toxic materials, these devices offer a cost reduction above 80%. This allows reaching comparable values of power density per unit material cost, representing a first real step toward the development of sustainable and non-toxic thin film TE devices. These can find applications in micro energy harvesters, microelectronics coolers, and temperature controllers for wearables, medical appliances, and sensors for the internet of things.
This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Isotta, E. [et al.]. Towards low cost and sustainable thin film thermoelectric devices based on quaternary chalcogenides. "ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS", 20 Maig 2022, núm. 2202157, which has been published in final form at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202202157. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.
