The InTe has intrinsically low lattice thermal conductivity κ L originating from the anharmonic
bonding of In 1+ ion in the lattice, which scatters the phonons. Here we report the
enhancement of thermoelectric properties in Te-deficient InTe 1− δ (δ= 0, 0.01, 0.1, and 0.2)
polycrystalline compounds by lattice softening and energy band gap opening. Te-deficiency
gives rise to more weak chemical bonding between In 1+ atoms and In 3+ Te 2− clusters
than those of pristine InTe, resulting in the reduction of κ L near the room temperature. The …