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    Dynamic polarity-induced phonon scattering and rattler-like vibrations enable ultralow thermal conductivity and high thermoelectric performance in NaInTe2

    Yunfei Wang1, Yinchang Zhao1,*, Junping Wang1, Jun Ni2,3, and Zhenhong Dai1,†

    • *Contact author: y.zhao@ytu.edu.cn
    • †Contact author: zhdai@ytu.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. Materials 10, 094603 – Published 3 September, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/59s6-b4tn

    Abstract

    Understanding the interplay between lattice dynamics and charge transport is essential for designing high-performance thermoelectric materials. In this work, we systematically investigate the thermoelectric transport properties of Zintl phase XInTe2 (X = Na, K, Rb) based on first-principles calculations. For lattice thermal transport, we apply self-consistent phonon theory (SCP) for the first time in this system and include the bubble diagram correction to accurately capture finite-temperature phonon renormalization. Moreover, the off-diagonal thermal conductivity contribution κc is incorporated into the calculation of lattice thermal conductivity (κL). Our results show that the enhanced Born effective charge (BEC) and large dielectric constant in NaInTe2 give rise to strong dynamic polarity, which enhances low-frequency phonon scattering through phonon branch softening and leads to a significant reduction in κL. In addition, nearly flat mid-frequency phonon branches are mainly associated with localized Na vibrations, exhibiting rattler-like behavior that further strengthens phonon scattering. For electronic transport, we use the amset framework to evaluate carrier transport properties by explicitly considering multiple scattering mechanisms, including grain boundary (MFP), acoustic deformation potential (ADP), ionized impurity (IMP), polar optical phonon (POP), and piezoelectric (PZ) scattering. As a result, p-type NaInTe2 exhibits a maximum ZT of 2.54 at 800 K. When spin-orbit coupling (SOC) is included, the ZT remains as high as 2.02, highlighting its robust thermoelectric performance.

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