Boosting Thermoelectric Performance in Nanocrystalline Ternary Skutterudite Thin Films through Metallic CoTe2 Integration

Metal-semiconductor nanocomposites have emerged as a viable strategy for concurrently tailoring both thermal and electronic transport properties of established thermoelectric materials, ultimately achieving synergistic performance. In this investigation, a series of nanocomposite thin films were synthesized, embedding metallic cobalt telluride (CoTe2) nanophase within the nanocrystalline ternary skutterudite (Co(Ge1.22Sb0.22)Te1.58 or CGST) matrix. Our approach harnessed composition fluctuation-induced phase separation and in situ growth during thermal annealing to seamlessly integrate the metallic phase. The distinctive band structures of both materials have developed an ohmic-type contact characteristic at the interface, which raised carrier density considerably yet negligibly affected the mobility counterpart, leading to a substantial improvement in electrical conductivity. The intricate balance in transport properties is further influenced by the metallic CoTe2 phase's role in diminishing lattice thermal conductivity. The presence of the metallic phase instigates enhanced phonon scattering at the interface boundaries. Consequently, a 2-fold enhancement in the thermoelectric figure of merit (zT ∼ 1.30) is attained with CGST-7 wt. % CoTe2 nanocomposite film at 655 K compared to that of pristine CGST.

Transition from Schottky to Ohmic contacts in Janus MoSSe/germanene heterostructures

The performance of an electronic device based on a two-dimensional material is strongly affected by the contact with the metallic electrodes. In this article, we study the electronic properties of two-dimensional MoSSe in contact with a germanene electrode by first-principles calculations. The results show that the contact characteristics are significantly different for the two sides of MoSSe. Notably, for both sides in-plane tensile strain induces a transition from Schottky to Ohmic behavior. Increasing the thickness of MoSSe also leads to an Ohmic contact. We propose an effective route to high performance MoSSe electronic devices.

Effect of the length of anodically grown titania nanotubes on the efficiency of a moisture-stable hole transport material (HTM)-free perovskite solar cell

A simple and facile means of developing a cost-efficient, easily reproducible perovskite solar cell (PSC) is presented in this report.

Recent Advances in β-Ga2O3-Metal Contacts

Ultra-wide bandgap beta-gallium oxide (β-Ga₂O₃) has been attracting considerable attention as a promising semiconductor material for next-generation power electronics. It possesses excellent material properties such as a wide bandgap of 4.6-4.9 eV, a high breakdown electric field of 8 MV/cm, and exceptional Baliga's figure of merit (BFOM), along with superior chemical and thermal stability. These features suggest its great potential for future applications in power and optoelectronic devices. However, the critical issue of contacts between metal and Ga₂O₃ limits the performance of β-Ga₂O₃ devices. In this work, we have reviewed the advances on contacts of β-Ga₂O₃ MOSFETs. For improving contact properties, four main approaches are summarized and analyzed in details, including pre-treatment, post-treatment, multilayer metal electrode, and introducing an interlayer. By comparison, the latter two methods are being studied intensively and more favorable than the pre-treatment which would inevitably generate uncontrollable damages. Finally, conclusions and future perspectives for improving Ohmic contacts further are presented.