Axis-dependent carrier polarity in polycrystalline NaSn$_2$As$_2$

Abstract

Transverse thermoelectric devices consist of only one thermoelectric material, unlike conventional longitudinal thermoelectric devices that require two types of thermoelectric materials with p- and n-type polarities. However, scalable synthesis of materials that demonstrate axis-dependent carrier polarity, which is a prospective component to demonstrate the transverse thermoelectric device, is challenging. This paper reports that polycrystalline NaSn$_2$As$_2$, which was prepared by using uniaxial hot pressing, displayed axis-dependent carrier polarity. The preferred orientation of the sample was confirmed through X-ray diffraction measurements. Seebeck coefficient measurements indicate that carrier polarity depends on the measurement direction, which is consistent with recently reported results on single crystals of NaSn$_2$As$_2$. Given that our sample preparation procedure is readily scalable, the present work shows the possibility for preparing transverse thermoelectric devices using polycrystalline NaSn$_2$As$_2$ with a preferred orientation.