Significantly enhanced chemical stability in interface-controlled Cu2+xSe-reduced graphene oxide composites and related thermoelectric performances

beta-Cu2Se has attracted much attention due to its high thermoelectric performances at high temperatures. However, the fast migration of Cu ions at elevated temperatures, which stems from its intrinsic liquid-like behavior, causes chemical instability in beta-Cu2Se, resulting in deterioration of its initial performance. Therefore, the improvement of its chemical stability is considered as the biggest challenge for practical thermoelectric application beta-Cu2Se. Here we report significantly enhanced chemical stability in interface-controlled Cu2+xSe-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composites and related thermoelectric performances. The solid-state reacted Cu2+xSe powder and RGO were consolidated into the bulk composites using spark plasma sintering at 823 K. By suppressing Cu migration using the impermeable RGO network, we successfully prepared the composites without Cu precipitates even in Cu-excess condition. Beneficial effects of the interface control on the thermoelectric properties beta-Cu2Se were discussed, and the maximum ZT of 1.05 was obtained from the Cu2025Se-RGO composite at 823 K.y

Automated summary

The research focuses on enhancing the chemical stability of beta-Cu2Se by using interface-controlled Cu2+xSe-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composites and discusses their improved thermoelectric performances. By consolidating solid-state reacted Cu2+xSe powder and RGO through spark plasma sintering at 823 K, the composites were prepared without Cu precipitates even in Cu-excess condition. The interface control effectively suppresses Cu migration and leads to a maximum ZT of 1.05 for the Cu2025Se-RGO composite at 823 K.