Engineering Ag2Se thermoelectrics via amorphous nano-Si3N4: a dual-functional strategy for enhanced zT and mechanical strength

The incorporation of amorphous nano-Si 3 N 4 enhances the zT value of Ag 2 Se from 0.72 to 0.95 by simultaneously reducing both the electronic and lattice thermal conductivity. Mechanical properties increased by ∼15.4% owing to the pinning effect.