Enhanced thermoelectric performance of MoS2-Bi2S3 nanocomposites via low energy carrier filtering effect

Layered MoS2 (Molybdenum disulphide), an important transition metal dichalcogenide for energy conversion application due to intrinsic low thermal conduction and attractive functional properties. Here, we report on the hydrothermally prepared MoS2/Bi2S3 nanocomposites for mid-temperature thermoelectric applications. X-ray photo electron Spectroscopy reveals the change in fermi level of nanocomposites with Bi incorporation and oxidation states of the elements. High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM) clearly indicates the formation of MoS2 nanosheets and Bi2S3 nano wires with the presence of interfaces. The interfacial effect greatly improved the thermoelectric power factor of 900 nW/mK2, which is nearly 8 times higher than pure MoS2.