Influence of Cu on the sustainable synthesis and thermoelectric properties of the half-Heusler TiNiSn†

Abstract

Doping of TiNiSn with abundant Cu is highly beneficial for its thermoelectric performance. In situ neutron powder diffraction reveals that the half-Heusler formation reaction is complete within 3–4 h. Using these insights we optimise the synthesis of Cu doped TiNiSn from powder precursors, minimising decomposition, and achieve a high zT = 0.9 at 723 K.