In a recent Letter, we highlight how to
achieve low-dimensional transport in bulk semiconductors taking advantage of
the highly-directional character of some orbitals like the d-states. The method is demonstrated in the class of Fe2YZ Heusler compounds, yielding isotropic
thermoelectric power factors 4-5 times
larger than in classical thermoelectrics at room temperature. Our concept is
general and rationalizes the search for alternative compounds exhibiting
similar properties.
Low-dimensional transport and large thermoelectric power factors in bulk semi-conductors by band engineering of highly-directional electronic states. D. I. Bilc, G. Hautier, D. Waroquiers, G.-M. Rignanese & Ph. Ghosez, Phys. Rev. Lett. 114, 136601 (2015).