Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of Ag2S Nanoparticles by Ag-nanoinclusions

We have demonstrated a simple strategy for improvement of thermoelectric performance of Ag2S based composites by modifying reaction conditions in polyol method. The existence of two-phased heterostructure in Ag2S@Ag nanocomposites is confirmed from dual phase Rietveld refinement of its powder X-ray diffraction. The FESEM images confirmed the formation of nanodisks of average thickness 80 nm and width in few hundreds of inn. A systematic reduction in electrical resistivity with increasing Ag-content is observed which leads an enhancement in power factor. The values of Seebeck coefficient are positive or negative depend on fraction of Ag-content in Ag2S matrix. Finally, a significantly high power factor is obtained for Ag2S@Ag nanocomposites synthesized at 245 degrees C. This work open a new way for reduction of electrical resistivity of resistive Ag2S and hence improved its thermoelectric efficiency.