Manipulation of thermal transport properties of Zintl thermoelectric compounds

Zintl compounds are highly attractive for thermoelectric applications, stemming from their “electron crystal, phonon glass” character. To enhance the thermoelectric performance of materials, it is essential to manipulate the thermal transport to minimize the thermal conductivity. In this perspective, we discuss strategies for manipulating the thermal transport in Zintl phases, including incorporating hierarchical defects, engineering chemical bonding heterogeneity, inducing structural instability, and discovering materials with unique crystal structures.