Synergistic effect of Mn₅Si₃ nanopowders on the thermoelectric properties of magnesium– silicide–stannide

Abstract Thermoelectric materials offer a sustainable solution for energy harvesting. This study focuses on enhancing the thermoelectric performance of magnesium–silicide–stannide materials through the incorporation of Mn₅Si₃ nanopowders and optimization of contact metals. Results indicate that a 10 at% addition of Mn₅Si₃ to Mg_2.2(Si_0.4Sn_0.6) yields the highest ZT value of 0.25, primarily due to reduced electrical resistivity. Aluminum was identified as the optimal contact metal due to its low series resistance and high output voltage. This research demonstrates the potential of Mn₅Si₃ as a promising additive for improving the thermoelectric properties of magnesium–silicide–stannide and highlights the importance of contact metal selection in achieving optimal device performance.