Electronic Clouds 'freeze' Heat Flow in Tin Selenide (IMAGE)

DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Electronic Clouds 'freeze' Heat Flow in Tin Selenide

Caption

Redistribution of electronic clouds causes a lattice instability and freezes the flow of heat in highly efficient tin selenide. The crystal lattice adopts a distorted state in which the chemical bonds are stretched into an accordion-like configuration, and makes an excellent thermoelectric because heat propagation is thwarted.

Credit

Image credit: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.