Ultrahigh transverse thermoelectric power factor in flexible Weyl semimetal WTe2

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31372-7
• Publication Date: 2022-07-07T13:06:17Z
• Authors: Yu Pan; Bin He; Toni Helm; Dong Chen; Walter Schnelle; Claudia Felser
• Keywords: Weyl semimetal; Nernst effect

Topological semimetals are well known for their interesting physical properties, while mechanical properties have rarely received attention. With the increasing demand flexible electronics, we explore great potential of van der Waals bonded Weyl semimetal WTe2 thermoelectric applications. We find that single crystals an ultrahigh Nernst power factor ~3 Wm-1K-2, which outperforms conventional Seebeck factors state-of-the-art semiconductors by 2-3 orders magnitude. A unique band structure hosts compensated electrons and holes with extremely high mobilities is primary mechanism this huge factor. Moreover, a large Ettingshausen signal ~5 × 10-5 KA-1m observed at 23.1 K 9 T. In work, combination exceptional Nernst-Ettingshausen performance excellent transformative ability would be instructive micro-/nano-thermoelectric devices.