Zhang Zhenxue, Gurtaran Mikdat, Dong Hanshan
School of Metallurgy and Materials, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
ACS Appl Energy Mater. 2024 Jul 9;7(14):5629-5646. doi: 10.1021/acsaem.4c00961. eCollection 2024 Jul 22.
Magnesium-based thermoelectric (TE) materials have attracted considerable interest due to their high ZT values, coupled with their low cost, widespread availability, nontoxicity, and low density. In this review, we provide a succinct overview of the advances and strategies pertaining to the development of Mg-based materials aimed at enhancing their performance. Following this, we delve into the major challenges posed by the severe working conditions, such as high temperature and thermal cycling, which adversely impact the behavior and long-term stability of the TE modules. Challenges include issues like the lack of mechanical strength, chemical instability, and unreliable contact. Subsequently, we focus on the key methodologies aimed at addressing these challenges to facilitate the broader application of the TE modules. These include boosting the mechanical strength, especially the toughness, through grain refining and additions of second phases. Furthermore, strategies targeted at enhancing the chemical stability through coatings and modifying the microstructure, as well as improving the contact design and materials, are discussed. In the end, we highlight the perspectives for boosting the practical applications of Mg-based TE materials in the future.
镁基热电（TE）材料因其高热电优值（ZT值），以及低成本、广泛可得、无毒和低密度等特点而备受关注。在本综述中，我们简要概述了旨在提高镁基材料性能的相关进展和策略。在此之后，我们深入探讨了高温和热循环等恶劣工作条件带来的主要挑战，这些条件会对TE模块的性能和长期稳定性产生不利影响。挑战包括缺乏机械强度、化学不稳定性和不可靠的接触等问题。随后，我们重点关注旨在应对这些挑战以促进TE模块更广泛应用的关键方法。这些方法包括通过细化晶粒和添加第二相来提高机械强度，特别是韧性。此外，还讨论了通过涂层提高化学稳定性、改变微观结构以及改进接触设计和材料的策略。最后，我们强调了未来推动镁基TE材料实际应用的前景。
