MgAgSb thermoelectric composite and the effect of doping species

In this study, we present the fabrication and thermoelectric properties of MgAgSb composites. The fabrication process was based on the concept of nanoparticle engineering. Mg₃Sb₂ and Ag₃Sb nanopowders were first synthesized and subsequently used for MgAgSb formation. The effects of Mg₂Cu, Mg₂Ni, and Mg₂Sn as doping species on thermoelectric properties were studied. Compared with the intrinsic MgAgSb, the electrical conductivity was improved by the Ni and Sn dopants. In contrast, the Cu dopant causes MgAgSb to have a lower ZT. Our experimental results proved that the nanoparticle engineering process can be used for the fabrication of MgAgSb-based thermoelectric composites. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]