Enhancement of thermoelectric properties in Sr0.6La0.4Nb2O6-δ-based ceramics by addition of graphite

Oxide thermoelectric materials have a wide range of applications due to their excellent stability, low cost, and non-toxic properties. However, their low thermoelectric conversion efficiency limits their practical use. Therefore, improving the performance of oxide thermoelectric materials has become the focus of current research. Interface engineering is an important approach to enhance thermoelectric properties by optimizing electrical transport properties through multiphase composite regulation of phase interface structure. A series of Sr_0.6La_0.4Nb₂O_6-δ/x wt% graphite (x = 0, 0.6, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0) composite ceramics thermoelectric materials were prepared, and the mechanism for improving their thermoelectric properties was explored. Graphite serves as an electron momentum amplifier within the Sr_0.6Ba_0.4Nb₂O_6-δ matrix, thereby augmenting both conductivity and power factor values significantly. Notably, the incorporation of 1.5 wt% graphite led to a remarkable enhancement in the thermoelectric power factor at 1073 K, reaching an impressive value of 254.84 μW/K²m - representing a notable increase of approximately 51 % compared to the unmodified sample - primarily attributed to the elevated electrical conductivity.