Abstract
Thermoelectric materials have significant applications in energy utilization and environmental protection. The effect of different EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) dosages on the flower-like morphology and thermoelectric properties of Ce-doped Bi(2)Te(3) nanoparticles were investigated. The Ce-doped Bi(2)Te(3) nanoparticles were sucessfully prepared via the hydrothermal method, and the influence of EDTA dosage on the morphology, structure, and thermoelectric properties of the materials was analyzed. The experimental results showed that an appropriate amount of EDTA can promote the formation of a flower-like morphology in Ce-doped Bi(2)Te(3) nanomaterials and enhance their thermoelectric properties. The ZT values of the x = 0.15 sample made by the better flower-like morphology of nanopowders are all around 1, which reach 1.15 at 398 K. This work demonstrates the synergistic effects of combining nanostructure engineering and chemical doping strategies for thermoelectric performance enhancement.