skutterudites

Skutterudites are a class of crystalline materials composed of elements like cobalt, arsenic, and antimony. They feature a unique structure with large, cage-like spaces that can be filled with small atoms, such as rare earth elements. This structure allows skutterudites to efficiently convert heat into electricity, making them valuable for thermoelectric applications like waste heat recovery. Their ability to be engineered by adjusting their composition enhances their performance, combining good electrical conductivity with low thermal conductivity—key traits for effective thermoelectric materials.