Systematic summary and in-depth analysis of the interaction mechanism of multiple modulated structures in the p-type (Bi, Sb)2Te3 alloy.

The interaction mechanism of multiple modulation structures in the p-type (Bi, Sb)2Te3 alloy was observed and summarized for the first time during three-point bending tests. Various cluster morphologies, including parallelograms, rhombus, and hexagons, were continuously observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technology, and their corresponding crystallographic characteristics and formation mechanisms were systematically investigated. These cluster structures may serve as new scattering centers to influence the transport of electrons and phonons within grains, providing a possible new strategy for further improving the thermoelectric properties of (Bi, Sb)2Te3 materials, which will be further explored in the future research.