Enhancing thermoelectric properties of a p-type Mg3Sb2- based Zintl phase compound by Pb substitution in the anionic framework

Pb substitution on anionic site of Mg₃Sb₂ structure enhances the power factor and simultaneously reduces the thermal conductivity which leads to a ZT ≈ 0.84 at 773 K for Mg₃Sb_1.8Pb_0.2 alloy. The enhanced ZT of this system is comparable to bismuth telluride and selenide industrial materials which are toxic and expensive.