Thermoelectric properties and site-selective Rb+/K+ distribution in the K2-xRbxBi8Se13 series

Theodora Kyratsi, Duck Young Chung, John R. Ireland, Carl R. Kannewurf, Mercouri G. Kanatzidis*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

β-K2Bi8Se13 possesses promising thermoelectric properties whereas Rb2Bi8Se13 does not. The formation of solid solutions between these two compounds was attempted to study the alkali metal distribution in the structure and its influence in the electronic properties. The structure of the K2-xRbxBi8Se13 series of solid solutions was studied and the members with 0 < x ≤ 1 were found to adopt the β-K2Bi8Se13 structure. Detailed crystallographic studies were performed for the x = 1.0 composition to examine in detail the K/Rb distribution in the lattice and the effect on the K/Bi disorder that exists in the β-K2Bi8Se13 structure. The Rb+ ions occupy exclusively one crystallographic site replacing K+. This defines RbKBi8Se13 as a new quaternary compound. Lattice parameters and band gaps are reported for the different compositions. Charge transport measurements including electrical conductivity, thermoelectric power, and Hall effect show that the materials are n-type semiconductors with increasing carrier concentration as a function of composition x.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3035-3040
Number of pages6
JournalChemistry of Materials
Volume15
Issue number15
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 29 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Materials Chemistry

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