Influence of structure phase transition on the thermoelectric properties of Cu2Se1−xTex liquid-like compounds

Copper chalcogenide Cu₂(Se,Te) compounds are well known as typical p-type thermoelectric materials with a figure of merit (ZT) that can be optimized by the ratio of Se : Te. Here, by using the mechanical alloying and solid-state reaction methods, Te was substituted into Se sites within Cu₂Se as the formula Cu₂Se_1−xTe_x (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, and 0.3). The observed changes in structural phase, grain morphologies, and grain size were recorded by XRD and FE-SEM imaging with the appearance of the secondary phase of Cu₂Te, with a Te content of x = 0.25. The layered structure morphology was observed more clearly at the high Te content. The electrical conductivity was greatly increased with enriched Te content while the maximum Seebeck coefficient was obtained in the Cu₂Se_0.75Te_0.25 sample. Accordingly, a power factor value of up to 9.84 μW cm⁻¹ K⁻² at 773 K was achieved. The appearance of a Cu₂Te phase with a Te content of 0.25 created a structural phase transition which results in a ZT value of 1.35 at 773 K in the Cu₂Se_0.75Te_0.25 sample.

Copper chalcogenide Cu₂(Se,Te) compounds are well known as typical p-type thermoelectric materials with a figure of merit (ZT) that can be optimized by the ratio of Se : Te.