Enhanced Thomson and Unusual Nernst Coefficients in 1T-TiSe2 due to
Bipolar Transport and CDW Phase Transition
Abstract
Thermoelectric coolers utilizing the Peltier effect have dominated the
field of solid-state cooling but their efficiency is hindered by
material limitations. Alternative routes based on the Thomson and Nernst
effects offer new possibilities. Here, we present a comprehensive
investigation of the thermoelectric properties of 1T-TiSe2, focusing on
these effects around the charge density wave (CDW) transition (≈ 200 K).
The abrupt Fermi surface reconstruction associated with this transition
leads to an exceptional peak in the Thomson coefficient of 450 μV.K−1 at
184 K, surpassing the Seebeck coefficient. Furthermore, 1T-TiSe2
exhibits a remarkably broad temperature range (170 − 400 K) with an
average Thomson coefficient exceeding 190 μV.K−1, a characteristic
highly desirable for the development of practical Thomson coolers with
extended operational ranges. Additionally, the Nernst coefficient
exhibits an unusual temperature dependence, increasing with temperature
in the normal phase, which we attribute to bipolar conduction effects.
The combination of solid-solid pure electronic phase transition to a
semimetallic phase with bipolar transport is identified as responsible
for the unusual Nernst trend and the unusually large Thomson coefficient
over a broad temperature range.