The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) is expected to accelerate the commercialization of thermoelectric modules based on 'magnesium antimonide (Mg₃Sb₂)', contributing to energy efficiency and carbon reduction.

The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute announced on the 7th that Dr. Sungjae Joo's team at the Electric Conversion Materials Research Center has developed a metallization process technology that dramatically increases the economic feasibility and commercialization potential of thermoelectric power generation modules using the eco-friendly new material 'magnesium antimonide (Mg₃Sb₂)'.

By applying this process and manufacturing and verifying a prototype, the manufacturing cost was reduced by more than 20% compared to the existing bismuth telluride (Bi₂Te₃)-based module, while securing a power density of more than 0.1 W/cm² at a temperature difference of 100℃.

A thermoelectric generator module is a device that converts temperature differences into electrical energy by attaching electrodes to the upper and lower surfaces of P-type and N-type semiconductor materials.

On the other hand, Bi₂Te₃, which was used as a P·N type material, has been pointed out as an obstacle to commercialization because expensive tellurium is an essential raw material.

Accordingly, the research team found that Mg₃Sb₂ is low-cost · It was noted that although it has the advantage of not containing rare metals, it has limitations in practical application because it is not suitable for the existing nickel electrode plating process.

Dr. Joo Sung-jae's team developed a new dry metallization process that combines magnesium foil instead of nickel as an inner protective layer and highly conductive copper foil on the outside.

This method directly bonds metal foils to the top and bottom of semiconductors without going through powder sintering, which provides high reproducibility and expandability, and is also advantageous for mass production by companies.

Prototype testing results demonstrate that the manufacturing cost of Mg₃Sb₂ modules can be significantly reduced without compromising performance.

Dr. Joo said, “The potential of Mg₃Sb₂ thermoelectric materials has been recognized, but it has not progressed to the modularization stage due to the difficulty in forming electrodes.” He continued, “This metallization process has significantly lowered the threshold for commercialization and presented a new commercial thermoelectric module alternative to the industry.”

KERI has applied for domestic and international patents for this technology and is promoting technology transfer with companies in the renewable energy and smart factory fields.

This achievement is expected to accelerate the commercialization of Mg₃Sb₂-based thermoelectric modules, contributing to energy efficiency and carbon reduction.