Structure, magnetic and thermoelectric properties of high entropy selenides Bi0.6Sb0.6In0.4Cr0.4Se3

Abstract

<p>Introducing magnetic elements or nanoparticles into the thermoelectric matrix is of great importance to regulate the thermoelectric performance and evaluate the magnetic-thermoelectric effect. While, the limitation of solid solution ability of magnetic elements in thermoelectric materials impedes the development of magnetic thermoelectric matrix. Herein, we have applied high entropy strategy to alloy a large amount of Cr elements into the Bi₂Se₃ sub-lattice, and successfully obtained a single-phase magnetic thermoelectric material in the nominal composition of Bi_0.6Sb_0.6In_0.4Cr_0.4Se₃. The Magnetization loop curves of Bi_0.6Sb_0.6In_0.4Cr_0.4Se₃ sample shows obvious ferromagnetic behavior with a coercivity of 2000 Oe and residual magnetization of 0.22 emu g⁻¹ at 2 K. The temperature dependence of zero-field-cooled magnetic susceptibility and field-cooled magnetic susceptibility reveals a transition from ferromagnetism to paramagnetism at 61 K. These findings indicate that a magnetic Bi₂Se₃ based thermoelectric material is successfully obtained. The corresponding structure, magnetic and thermoelectric properties are also carefully discussed. This work offers a new avenue to achieve a magnetic thermoelectric material through high entropy strategy.</p>