When IV−VI Meets I−V−VI₂: A Reinvigorating Thermoelectric Strategy for Tin Monochalcogenides

Abstract Resembling the widely studied PbTe−AgSbTe₂ (LAST) and GeTe−AgSbTe₂ (TAGS) thermoelectric materials, alloying group I−V−VI₂ compounds to tin monochalcogenides (SnTe, SnSe, and SnS) was also initially studied in the 1960s. Nevertheless, this thermoelectric strategy has regained popularity only in recent years, and boosted performance is now generally expected in these alloys. Given its encouraging revival and the absence of a corresponding research summary, here we carefully review current advances in this system, which is categorized into three major subgroups, that is, I−Sb−VI₂‐alloyed SnTe, I−Bi−VI₂‐alloyed SnTe, and I−Sb−VI₂‐alloyed SnSe. Emphasis is placed on exploring the underlying mechanisms of this system in addition to its thermoelectric properties. Some future directions of this reinvigorating strategy are also proposed in the hope that they can serve as a guide for its further exploration.