An overview of CoSb3-based skutterudites and their applications in energy conversion

Cobalt triantimonide (CoSb 3 ) skutterudites are canonical thermoelectric materials with significant potential for energy conversion. However, realizing their full potential depends on identifying and overcoming challenges related to their intrinsic properties and synthesis. This summary examines research efforts and advancements in CoSb 3 and related compounds, with particular emphasis on their applicative potential since 2022. First, a concise evaluation of advancements in materials properties is conducted, including synthesis techniques and strategies to optimize the thermoelectric figure of merit. Next, a summary of recent advancements in thermoelectric devices based on CoSb 3 skutterudites is presented, covering fabrication aspects, including the structural materials used, joining methods, and device performance. In conclusion, the current limitations of high-performance CoSb 3 -based thermoelectric generators are identified, and future research directions are outlined, as they are essential to advancing this field. Skutterudites within the broader thermoelectric materials landscape and their operating temperature (∼500 - 900 K).