Thermoelectric materials offer an alternative opportunity to tackle the energy crisis and environmental problems by enabling the direct solid-state energy conversion. As a promising candidate with full potentials for the next generation thermoelectrics, tin selenide (SnSe) and its associated thermoelectric materials have been attracted extensive attentions due to their ultralow thermal conductivity and high electrical transport performance (power factor). To provide a thorough overview of recent advances in SnSe-based thermoelectric materials that have been revealed as promising thermoelectric materials since 2014, here, we first focus on the inherent relationship between the structural characteristics and the supreme thermoelectric performance of SnSe, including the thermodynamics, crystal structures, and electronic structures. The effects of phonon scattering, pressure or strain, and oxidation behavior on the thermoelectric performance of SnSe are discussed in detail. Besides, we summarize the current theoretical calculations to predict and understand the thermoelectric performance of SnSe, and provide a comprehensive summary on the current synthesis, characterization, and thermoelectric performance of both SnSe crystals and polycrystals, and their associated materials. In the end, we point out the controversies, challenges and strategies toward future enhancements of the SnSe thermoelectric materials.

中文翻译：

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高性能 SnSe 热电材料：进展与未来挑战

热电材料通过实现直接固态能量转换为解决能源危机和环境问题提供了另一种机会。作为具有充分潜力的下一代热电材料，硒化锡（SnSe）及其相关的热电材料由于其超低热导率和高电传输性能（功率因数）而受到广泛关注。为了全面概述自 2014 年以来已被揭示为有前途的热电材料的基于 SnSe 的热电材料的最新进展，在这里，我们首先关注 SnSe 的结构特征与最高热电性能之间的内在关系，包括热力学，晶体结构和电子结构。详细讨论了声子散射、压力或应变以及氧化行为对 SnSe 热电性能的影响。此外，我们总结了当前用于预测和理解 SnSe 热电性能的理论计算，并对当前 SnSe 晶体和多晶及其相关材料的合成、表征和热电性能进行了全面总结。最后，我们指出了 SnSe 热电材料未来改进的争议、挑战和策略。并提供有关 SnSe 晶体和多晶及其相关材料的当前合成、表征和热电性能的全面总结。最后，我们指出了 SnSe 热电材料未来改进的争议、挑战和策略。并提供有关 SnSe 晶体和多晶及其相关材料的当前合成、表征和热电性能的全面总结。最后，我们指出了 SnSe 热电材料未来改进的争议、挑战和策略。