Efficient thermoelectric and dielectric response by optimized ternary Cd_1−xZn_xS chalcogenides for productive energy conversion and storage

The burgeoning interest in thermoelectric technology for portable power generation, driven by its solid-state conversion of heat to electricity, underscores its potential for sustainable energy utilization. As efficient thermoelectric materials, ZnS and CdS chalcogenides exhibit promising thermoelectric response, thanks to their widely customizable structural, electric, and thermal properties. Here, a series of Cd_1−xZn_xS was synthesized through a facile, energy efficient, and cost-effective self-ignition-based approach. X-ray diffraction confirmed highly crystalline structures for ZnS and CdS belonging to F-43 m and P-63mc space groups, respectively. Morphological analysis revealed the development of rod-like, and layered structures contributing to densification as Zn contents increased. Dielectric analysis revealed a frequency-dependent behavior, indicating a decline in dielectric constant due to dielectric relaxation. Thermoelectric evaluation indicated an incline in voltage with higher Zn concentration, and Seebeck coefficient exhibited decreasing trends with temperature. ZnS exhibited the highest value of power factor = 2.645×10⁻³ affecting the efficiency of energy conversion processes.