Expected thermoelectric properties of nanostructured TTT(TCNQ)2 crystals

Abstract

Advanced thermoelectric materials represent a keystone for development of new efficient devices for energy harvesting, local power generation from the waste heat and direct cooling systems. Thermal absorption of IR radiation, which generates a small electrical current, opens new outlooks for developing sensitive thermoelectric biosensors or night-vision systems. Recent investigations have demonstrated that nanostructured materials are very promising approach for thermoelectric applications. Organic crystals of TTT(TCNQ)2 are proposed as efficient nanostructured thermoelectric material of n – type. Due to the pronounced quasi-one-dimensionality of internal structure and to the property that allows the formation of non-stoichiometric compounds, the thermoelectric figure of merit of these crystals, ZT, may be increased by optimizing the concentration of conducting electrons. Theoretically, it was predicted ZT ~ 1, if an additional doping with donors and further purification of the crystal are performed.