Theoretical investigation of the thermoelectric transport properties of BaSi₂

The full-potential linear augmented plane wave method based on density functional theory is employed to investigate the electronic structure of BaSi₂. With the constant relaxation time and rigid band approximation, the electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient and figure of merit are calculated by using Boltzmann transport theory, further evaluated as a function of carrier concentration. We find that the Seebeck coefficient is more anisotropic than electrical conductivity. The figure of merit of BaSi₂ is predicted to be quite high at room temperature, implying that optimal doping may be an effective way to improve thermoelectric properties.