Bi2Te3/Si Thermophotovoltaic Cells Converting Low-Temperature Radiation into Electricity

Thermophotovoltaic cells, which convert low-temperature radiation into electricity, are of significance due to their potential applications in many fields. Here, Bi2Te3/Si thermophotovoltaic cells, which work under the radiation from a blackbody, at a temperature of 300-480 K, are presented. The experimental results show that the cells can output electricity, even under a radiation temperature of 300 K. The band structure of Bi2Te3/Si heterojunctions and the defects in Bi2Te3 thin films lower the conversion efficiency of the cells. It is also demonstrated that the resistivity of Si and the thickness of Bi2Te3 thin films have important effects on Bi2Te3/Si thermophotovoltaic cells. Although the cells' output power is small, this work provides a possible way to utilize low-temperature radiation.