Synthesis and thermoelectric properties of a new high-entropy spinel ferrite (Mn0.2Co0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2Mo0.2)Fe2O4

Extensive investigations have been conducted on high-entropy oxides (HEOs) as promising materials for heat conversion. In this study, a novel high-entropy ferrite (Mn 0.2 Co 0.2 Cu 0.2 Zn 0.2 Mo 0.2 )Fe 2 O 4 with a spinel structure was synthesized via the solid-state method at elevated temperatures, and its thermoelectric properties were subsequently evaluated. The XRD, SEM, and TEM-EDS measurements demonstrate the successful incorporation of multi-component cations into a single site, leading to the formation of a homogeneous material phase. Furthermore, TEM analysis reveals the presence of various defects and lattice distortions such as dislocations in this high-entropy ceramic. At 1073K, the high-entropy ceramic exhibits a low thermal conductivity (κ = 1.74 W/m/K) and a high Seebeck coefficient (|S| = 180.5 μV/K). The results suggest that high entropy engineering has the potential to enhance the thermoelectric properties of spinel structured ferrites, thereby creating exciting prospects for utilizing this spinel ferrite as a novel thermoelectric material in high-temperature applications.