NOVELTY - A p-type thermoelectric material (m1) has a thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) of at least 0.6, and a thermoelectric power generation compatibility factor (s) of at least 1 V-1 at above 898degreesK; and comprises a metallic compound.    USE - In thermoelectric devices for producing electrical current (claimed), also for producing heat or refrigeration; and in thermoelectric sensing applications.    ADVANTAGE - The thermoelectric material has a thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) of at least about 0.6, and a thermoelectric power generation compatibility factor (s) of at least about 1 V-1, at above 898degreesK.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A p-type thermoelectric material (m1) has a thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) of at least 0.6, and a thermoelectric power generation compatibility factor (s) of at least 1 V-1 at above 898degreesK; and comprises a metallic compound of formula A'14M'P'11 (I).    A' = calcium, strontium, barium, ytterbium, europium and/or lanthanum;    M' = manganese, zinc, aluminum, gallium, indium, scandium, cobalt, chromium, nickel and/or iron; and    P' = nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, bismuth, antimony, gallium, germanium, tin, lead, selenium and/or tellurium.    INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for:    (a) a thermoelectric device (d1), comprising: a first substrate to operate at a first temperature; a second substrate to operate at a second temperature different from first temperature to form a temperature gradient across the two substrates; a p-type thermoelectric material (m1) disposed between the substrates, having a first end surface in thermal contact with first substrate and a second end surface in thermal contact with second substrate; an n-type thermoelectric material disposed between the substrates, having a first end surface in thermal contact with first substrate and a second end surface in thermal contact with second substrate; an electrical conducting element to electrically connect first surface of p-type thermoelectric material with first surface of n-type thermoelectric material to provide a first electrical conduit; and an electrical circuit, having two terminals, each connecting to the second surface of p-type and n-type thermoelectric material, respectively to provide a second electrical conduit between p-type and n-type thermoelectric materials, where the p-type and n-type thermoelectric materials, electrically conducting element, and electrical circuit form an electrical loop through which an electrical current travels; and    (b) a method of producing an electrical current involving providing a thermoelectric device, comprising the first substrate to operate at a first temperature, a second substrate to operate at a second temperature different from first temperature to form a temperature gradient across the two substrates, a p-type thermoelectric material (m1) disposed between the substrates, having a first end surface in thermal contact with first substrate and a second end surface in thermal contact with second substrate; and operating the thermoelectric device to produce an electrical current.