Enhanced thermoelectric performance in MXene/SnTe nanocomposites synthesized via a facile one-step solvothermal method.

As a promising alternative to the toxic PbTe-based thermoelectric materials, eco-friendly SnTe has attracted considerable attention. Here, we use a facile solvothermal method to in-situ synthesize MXene/SnTe nanocomposites. Comprehensive characterization results indicate that the incorporation of two-dimensional MXene in SnTe matrix can suppress Sn vacancies to result in a reduced carrier concentration and induce abundant MXene/SnTe interfaces, which simultaneously optimizes the electrical and thermal transport properties. As a result, with the optimized MXene content, the maximum figure of merit of ∼0.63 ​at 823 ​K is obtained in SnTe with 0.6 ​wt% MXene, which shows a 60% enhancement compared to pristine SnTe. This work explores a new strategy to introduce two-dimensional MXene into SnTe-based materials with improved thermoelectric properties, which can inspire new pathways into designing and synthesizing high-performance thermoelectric materials. The incorporation of MXene into SnTe has been achieved by using a facile solvothermal method, which simultaneously adjusts the electrical and thermal transport properties, leading to enhanced thermoelectric performance. [Display omitted] • Preparing MXene/SnTe nanocomposites via a one-step solvothermal reaction. • Achieving synergistically optimized electrical and thermal transport properties. • A 60% enhanced zT was obtained through MXene incorporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]