Development of nanostructures in thermoelectric Pb-Te-Sb alloys

T. Ikeda*, V. Ravi, L. A. Collins, S. M. Haile, G. J. Snyder

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

In analogy to recent demonstrations of enhanced thermoelectric properties in superlattice materials, composite structures with nanoscale features promise dramatic improvements in the figure of merit of thermoelectric materials. Fabrication of nanostructured thermoelectric materials via bulk synthesis is an attractive route for commercial applications. Nanometer scale lamellae of PbTe and Sb2Te3 form when quenched eutectic PbTe-Sb 2Te3 melt is subsequently annealed. The lamellar spacing depends on the temperature and time of the anneal. The mechanism for the development of the nanostructures can be characterized by examining the fraction of material transformed as a function of anneal time. Preliminary analysis of the shape factor exponent reveals that the evolution of the nanostructured lamellae is likened to the thickening of very large plates. The coarsening of the lamellar spacing is also examined as a function of time.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings ICT'06 - 25th International Conference on Thermoelectrics
Pages172-175
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
EventICT'06 - 25th International Conference on Thermoelectrics - Vienna, Austria
Duration: Aug 6 2006Aug 10 2006

Publication series

NameInternational Conference on Thermoelectrics, ICT, Proceedings

Other

OtherICT'06 - 25th International Conference on Thermoelectrics
Country/TerritoryAustria
CityVienna
Period8/6/068/10/06

Keywords

  • Coarsening
  • Fraction transformed
  • Lamellar spacing
  • Thermoelectric

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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