Comprehensive Insight into p-Type Bi2Te3-Based Thermoelectrics near Room Temperature

Bi₂Te₃ is a well-recognized material for its unique properties in diverse thermoelectric applications near room temperature. The considerable efforts on Bi₂Te₃-based alloys have been extremely extensive in recent years, and thus the latest breakthroughs in high-performance p-type (Bi, Sb)₂Te₃ alloys are comprehensively reviewed to further implement applications. Effective strategies to further improve the thermoelectric performance are summarized from the perspective of enhancing the power factor and minimizing the lattice thermal conductivity. Furthermore, the surface states of topological insulators are investigated to provide a possibility of advancing (Bi, Sb)₂Te₃ thermoelectrics. Finally, future challenges and outlooks are overviewed. This review will provide potential guidance toward designing and developing high-efficient Bi₂Te₃-based and other thermoelectrics.