Enhanced thermoelectric properties of MoS2 with the incorporation of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is a potential candidate for thermoelectric due to its inherent low thermal conductivity. However, its low electrical conductivity confines its practical usage. In this paper, we have synthesized nanocomposite of MoS2 with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and demonstrated a ∼5920% increase in the thermoelectric figure of merit of MoS2 after formation of MoS2-RGO nanocomposite. This ultra-high enhanced thermoelectric figure of merit is due to significantly enhanced electrical conductivity, increased Seebeck effect and simultaneous reduction of thermal conductivity of MoS2 in the MoS2-RGO nanocomposite. Presence of RGO in the matrix of MoS2 in MoS2-RGO nanocomposite provides conducting path, reduces interface barrier height and also provides enhanced scattering of phonons.