Enhancing thermoelectric performance of GeTe via C60-induced interface engineering: Synergistic optimization of electrical and thermal transport

GeTe, a promising p-type thermoelectric material, faces challenges in scalability and stability due to complex compositions. We introduce a simplified strategy by incorporating minimal C 60 ( ≤ 0.4 wt % ) into GeTe, leveraging interface mismatch to optimize electrical and thermal properties. C 60 reduces lattice thermal conductivity by ∼ 33% and enhances the Seebeck coefficient, achieving a power factor of ∼ 42 . 8 μ Wcm −1 K −2 . The GeTe-0.2 wt % C 60 C60 sample attains a maximum ZT of 2.15 at 773 K and an average ZT of 1.30 (323–773 K), surpassing comparable systems. This work highlights interface engineering for advancing thermoelectric materials and improving commercial viability.