Thermoelectric materials convert heat directly into electricity. They offer a promising way to produce energy from waste heat. But first, scientists need a better understanding of these materials’ properties and how to control them. The thermoelectric material germanium telluride (GeTe) has interesting properties that can be modified. GeTe has a crystal structure similar to rock salt. Researchers had questions as to whether GeTe remains in an overall crystalline form under different conditions or if its crystal structure can be disrupted. In this study, researchers used a novel “neutron camera” technique to examine the structure of GeTe. The study found that GeTe maintains its overall crystalline form—and thus its ability to conduct electricity. At the same time, parts of the GeTe structure move, a process called dynamic disorder, and this slows the ability of GeTe to conduct heat.
To read more, click here.