Understanding electrical transport and the large power factor enhancements in co-nanostructured PbTe

Joseph R. Sootsman, Vladimir Jovovic, Christopher M. Jaworski, Joseph P. Heremans, Jiaqing He, Vinayak P. Dravid, Mercouri G. Kanatzidis

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

Abstract

We previously reported the synthesis of nanostructured composite PbTe with excess Pb and Sb metal inclusions. The electrical conductivity shows an unusual temperature dependence that depends on the inclusion Pb/Sb ratio, resulting in marked enhancements in power factor and ZT at 700 K. Additional investigation of the transport and structure of these materials is reported here. Measurements of the scattering parameter reveals there is little change in electron scattering with respect to pure PbTe. High resolution electron microscopy was used to determine additional information about the nature of the precipitate phases present in the samples. High temperature transmission electron microscopy reveals that the precipitates begin to dissolve at high temperatures and completely disappear at T > 619K. A qualitative explanation of the unusual transport behavior of these materials is presented.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMaterials and Devices for Thermal-to-Electric Energy Conversion
PublisherMaterials Research Society
Pages77-82
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781605111391
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Event2009 MRS Spring Meeting: Materials and Devices for Thermal-to-Electric Energy Conversion - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Apr 13 2009Apr 17 2009

Publication series

NameMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
Volume1166
ISSN (Print)0272-9172

Other

Other2009 MRS Spring Meeting: Materials and Devices for Thermal-to-Electric Energy Conversion
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period4/13/094/17/09

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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