Synergistic effect of Mn5Si3 nanopowders on the thermoelectric properties of magnesium– silicide–stannide

Abstract

Abstract Thermoelectric materials offer a sustainable solution for energy harvesting. This study focuses on enhancing the thermoelectric performance of magnesium–silicide–stannide materials through the incorporation of Mn5Si3 nanopowders and optimization of contact metals. Results indicate that a 10 at% addition of Mn5Si3 to Mg2.2(Si0.4Sn0.6) yields the highest ZT value of 0.25, primarily due to reduced electrical resistivity. Aluminum was identified as the optimal contact metal due to its low series resistance and high output voltage. This research demonstrates the potential of Mn5Si3 as a promising additive for improving the thermoelectric properties of magnesium–silicide–stannide and highlights the importance of contact metal selection in achieving optimal device performance.