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Title: Thermoelectric properties of p-type cubic and rhombohedral GeTe

Journal Article · · Journal of Applied Physics
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5025070 · OSTI ID:1439412
 [1];  [2];  [2]; ORCiD logo [3];  [3]; ORCiD logo [2]
  1. Jilin Univ., Changchun (China); Univ. of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO (United States); University of Missouri
  2. Univ. of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO (United States)
  3. Jilin Univ., Changchun (China)

Here, we investigate the electronic and thermoelectric properties of GeTe in both cubic and rhombohedral phases. We find that cubic GeTe has an electronic structure with a narrow band gap that is unfavorable at high temperature, where the cubic phase is normally stable. However, cubic GeTe has electronic features that may lead to p-type performance superior to the normal rhombohedral phase at lower temperature. This is explained in part by the combination of light and heavy band character that is very effective in obtaining high thermopower and conductivity. In addition, the valence band edge carrier pockets in cubic GeTe possess the largest anisotropy among cubic IV-VI analogs. These effects are stronger than the effect of band convergence in the rhombohedral structure. The results suggest further study of stabilized cubic GeTe as a thermoelectric.

Research Organization:
Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC) (United States). Solid-State Solar-Thermal Energy Conversion Center (S3TEC); Univ. of Missouri, Columbia, MO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) (SC-22)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0001299
OSTI ID:
1439412
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1438061
Journal Information:
Journal of Applied Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Applied Physics Journal Issue: 19 Vol. 123; ISSN 0021-8979
Publisher:
American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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