Thermoelectric properties of some alkaline based full-heusler materials from first-principles

Among the possible ways to increase the efficiency of global energy use, thermoelectric is an important option. Thermoelectric materials that convert an internal temperature gradient to voltage are used in cooling and waste heat power generation applications. The performance of thermoelectric materials is characterized by a high Seebeck coefficient (S), high electrical conductivity (σ) and a thermoelectric value (ZT) requiring low thermal conductivity (κ). Full-Heusler (X2YZ) materials are particularly interesting for waste heat thermoelectric applications due to their deriving from low-cost elements, mechanical reliability and thermal stability under operating conditions. In this study, properties of Li2NaSb, Li2NaBi, K2CsSb and K2CsBi Full-Heusler compounds such as Seebeck coefficients, power factors, electrical conductivity, electronic and lattice thermal conductivity were calculated and the thermoelectric performance of these materials were investigated. Plane waves and pseudo-potentials are used within the scope of density functional theory and generalized gradient approach is used for exchange-correlation energy. In the generalized gradient approach, the form developed by Perdew, Burke, and Ernzerhof was used for the exchange-correlation functional. Thermoelectric coefficients were calculated by solving the semi-classical Boltzmann transport equation under the constant relaxation time approach. It has been found that p-type K2CsSb has high Seebeck coefficient and low lattice thermal conductivity in the materials studied and it is assumed that ZT value is greater than 2 at temperatures greater than 600 K.