Optimal band gap for improved thermoelectric performance of two-dimensional Dirac materials
Journal
Journal of Applied Physics
Journal Volume
126
Journal Issue
3
Start Page
035109
ISSN
10897550
00218979
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Hasdeo, Eddwi Hesky
Krisna, Lukas P.A.
Hanna, M. Y.
Gunara, Bobby Eka
Nugraha, Ahmad R.T.
Abstract
Thermoelectric properties of two-dimensional (2D) Dirac materials are calculated within linearized Boltzmann transport theory and relaxation time approximation. We find that the gapless 2D Dirac material exhibits poorer thermoelectric performance than the gapped one. This fact arises due to the cancelation effect from electron-hole contributions to the transport quantities. Opening the bandgap lifts this cancelation effect. Furthermore, there exists an optimal bandgap for maximizing figure of merit (Z T) in the gapped 2D Dirac material. The optimal bandgap ranges from 6 k B T to 18 k B T, where k B is the Boltzmann constant and T is the operating temperature in kelvin. This result indicates the importance of having narrow gaps to achieve the best thermoelectrics in 2D systems. Larger maximum Z Ts can also be obtained by suppressing the lattice thermal conductivity. In the most ideal case where the lattice thermal conductivity is very small, the maximum Z T in the gapped 2D Dirac material can be many times the Z T of commercial thermoelectric materials.
Subjects
Crystal Lattices
Energy Gap
Statistical Mechanics
Thermal Conductivity
Thermoelectric Equipment
Boltzmann Transport Theory
Lattice Thermal Conductivity
Operating Temperature
Relaxation Time Approximation
Thermo-electric Materials
Thermoelectric Performance
Thermoelectric Properties
Two Dimensional (2 D)
Thermoelectricity
SDGs
Publisher
American Institute of Physics Inc. subs@aip.org
Type
journal article