Review of research on the thermoelectric material ZnSb

Abstract

The thermoelectric material ZnSb has been studied intensively in recent years and has shown promising features. The other zinc-antimonide compound, Zn4Sb3 has remarkable low thermal conductivity, but it is accompanied with phase transitions at moderate temperature and has inherent stability problems. Compared to that, ZnSb is relatively phase stable and has a relative high charge carrier mobility and Seebeck coefficient, thus yielding a decent power factor. Meanwhile, its thermal conductivity can be reduced by means of nanostructuring, thus giving a good figure of merit at moderate temperatures, 400–600K. Many researchers have dedicated their efforts to study and improve ZnSb properties, and the figure of merit has been reported to be above one. Still, ZnSb as a thermoelectric material has features and behaviours that are not well-understood. The behaviour and properties of its intrinsic defects are not understood, but have interested researchers in recent years. This chapter intends to offer a comprehensive review on ZnSb to the readers. By combining own experiences from research on thermoelectric materials, the authors address the prospect for improving the thermoelectric properties of ZnSb and the concerns of transferring lab results to manufacturing.