Record 2.03 ZT thermoelectric performance achieved in chalcopyrite materials at 873°K using defect engineering, a 59% improvement

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1126208

"increased electric conductivity increases ZT (good) but also heat conductivity (bad), overcome using silver/ indium alloy forcing atoms to swap positions in chalcopyrite crystal lattice; neutral defects allowing relatively unimpeded electrons flow, but acting as chaotic roadblocks for heat-carrying vibrations... also maintains strong average ZT across typical 300–873°K device range temperature fluctuation... stabilizes crystal structure, preventing phase separation that can kill high-performance thermoelectrics over time"

Related: PyroDelta’s modules operate above 873°K; far beyond the limits of most commercial thermoelectrics
https://www.miningstockeducation.com/2026/04/how-a-canadian-breakthrough-in-thermoelectrics-could-turn-waste-heat-into-the-next-clean-energy-frontier/