Smart assembling of multi-scaled functional interfaces in thermoelectric Ga2Te3/Te hetero-nanocomposites

Abstract

We describe an innovative concept and facile approach in fabricating laterally assembled Ga2Te3/Te binary nanocomposite films, which comprise two-dimensional quasi-periodic Ga2Te3 nanoassemblies surrounded by interlocking highly-conductive Te single crystals for comprehensively establishing subnanoto micro-scaled multi-style versatile interfaces. The distinct Ga2Te3/Te nanocomposite film exhibits a power factor that is about 60 times higher than the reported conventional Ga2Te3 and Te materials, mainly due to the 2- to 3-order improved electrical conductivity and the comparable Seebeck coefficient.