Heavily doped, highly compensated epitaxial ScN thin films exceed Boltzmann thermopower limits

Scientists created epitaxial scandium nitride (ScN) thin films with high doping levels and high compensation that exceed the theoretical Boltzmann limits of thermoelectric power. These films were studied for their thermoelectric properties and ability to convert thermal energy into electrical energy. The research was published in the journal Science in August 2026 in volume 393, issue 6811 on pages 611-614. The achieved results represent a significant advance in thermoelectric technology and materials. Highly doped and compensated materials exhibit unusual electrical and thermal properties. These findings may have applications in energy generation and cooling systems.