Toward New Thermoelectrics: Tin Selenide/Modified Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites

Abstract

New nanocomposites have been prepared by combining tin selenide (SnSe) with graphene oxide (GO) in a simple aqueous solution process followed by ice templating (freeze casting). The resulting integration of SnSe within the GO matrix leads to modifications of electrical transport properties and the possibility of influencing the power factor ( S 2 σ). Moreover, these transport properties can then be further improved ( S , σ increased) by functionalization of the GO surface to form modified nanocomposites (SnSe/GO mod ) with enhanced power factors in comparison to unmodified nanocomposites (SnSe/GO) and “bare” SnSe itself. Functionalizing the GO by reaction with octadecyltrimethoxysilane (C 21 H 46 O 3 Si) and triethylamine ((CH 3 CH 2 ) 3 N) switches SnSe from p-type to n-type conductivity with an appreciable Seebeck coefficient and high electrical conductivity (1257 S·m –1 at 539 K), yielding a 20-fold increase in the power factor compared to SnSe itself, prepared by the same route. These findings present new possibilities to design inexpensive and porous nanocomposites based on metal chalcogenides and functionalized carbon-derived matrices.

Facile in situ solution synthesis of SnSe/rGO nanocomposites with enhanced thermoelectric performance

“…In an alternative approach, it was recently demonstrated that SnSe could be incorporated into modied GO matrices, which has profound effects on the thermal and electrical properties of each component. 44 In this study, we have focused on the role of reduced graphene oxide and its role as an additive rather than as a matrix. The purpose was to assemble nanoinclusions of rGO into well-dened 2D nanosheets of SnSe and to investigate the microstructural effects on the interfacial chemistry and physics as a function of composition systematically.…”

Energy‐Saving Pathways for Thermoelectric Nanomaterial Synthesis: Hydrothermal/Solvothermal, Microwave‐Assisted, Solution‐Based, and Powder Processing

“…[29,340] Graphene oxide (GO) and modified graphene oxide (GO mod ) have been employed in SnSe nanocomposite synthesis. [341] SnSe and GO were combined using a simple aqueous solution process followed by ice templating (freeze casting). In this study, GO nanosheets were prepared by the improved Hummers' method [342] and SnSe nanoparticles (nanospheres with diameters 7-35 nm in range) were synthesized using a citric acid-assisted solution synthesis.…”

Comprehensive Insights into Synthesis, Structural Features, and Thermoelectric Properties of High-Performance Inorganic Chalcogenide Nanomaterials for Conversion of Waste Heat to Electricity

“…Its layered structure with van Der Waals and tight covalent bonds results in high anisotropic properties and low κ . SnSe has attracted significant attention for research due to its low toxicity, high earth abundance, and excellent energy conversion efficiency …”