The binary skutterudite CoSb₃ is a narrow bandgap semiconductor thermoelectric (TE) material with a relatively flat band structure and excellent electrical performance. However, thermal conductivity is very high because of the covalent bond between Co and Sb, resulting in a very low ZT value. Therefore, researchers have been trying to reduce its thermal conductivity by the different optimization methods. In addition, the synergistic optimization of the electrical and thermal transport parameters is also a key to improve the ZT value of CoSb₃ material because the electrical and thermal transport parameters of TE materials are closely related to each other by the band structure and scattering mechanism. This review summarizes the main research progress in recent years to reduce the thermal conductivity of CoSb₃-based materials at atomic-molecular scale and nano-mesoscopic scale. We also provide a simple summary of achievements made in recent studies on the non-equilibrium preparation technologies of CoSb₃-based materials and synergistic optimization of the electrical and thermal transport parameters. In addition, the research progress of CoSb₃-based TE devices in recent years is also briefly discussed.

Thermoelectric material is a new energy material that can realize the direct conversion of thermal energy and electric energy. It has important and wide applications in the fields of the recycling of industrial waste heat and automobile exhaust, efficient refrigeration of the next generation of integrated circuits and full spectrum solar power generation. Skutterudites have attracted much attention because of their excellent electrical transport performance in the medium temperature region. In order to obtain skutterudites with excellent properties, it is indispensable to choose an appropriate preparation method. This review summarizes some traditional and advanced preparation methods of skutterudites in recent years. The basic principles of these preparation methods are briefly introduced. Single-phase skutterudites can be successfully obtained by these preparation methods. The study of these preparation methods also provides technical support for the rapid, low-cost and large-scale preparation of high-performance thermoelectric materials.