Thermoelectric (TE) technology enables direct conversion between heat and electricity and it is consequently considered a promising means of renewable energy sources in use of waste heat which is spread on almost everywhere including industries, vehicles, electronic devices, the human body, and so on. The TE performance can be modulated by nano-precipitates that can exceptionally increase the Seebeck coefficient (S) by carrier filtering effect as well as reduce lattice thermal conductivity by enhancing phonon scattering. In this study, we report a facile and efficient way to improve and modulate thermoelectric performance by using Cu2Te nanoparticles, which were synthesized by surfactant-free method at room temperature, on p-type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 matrix. The Cu2Te nanoparticle dispersion in the BST matrix shows an apparent effect in the enhancement of electrical conductivity and boost its electrical conductivity at room temperature. By control of the Cu2Te content, the temperature of maximum thermoelectric performance could be modulated from room temperature to 425 K. The highest figure-of-merit value of 1.1 was achieved at 377 K by incorporating 0.1 wt% Cu2Te nanoparticles in Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 matrix, which is due to enhancement in power factor and reduction in lattice thermal conductivity. The results demonstrate that Cu2Te incorporation could be an effective strategy for Bi-Te based thermoelectric power generation.

Synthesis and low temperature thermoelectric properties of Cu<sub>2</sub>Te included Bi–Sb–Te p-type materials

2019 Fall National Meeting

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Synthesis and low temperature thermoelectric properties of Cu2Te included Bi–Sb–Te p-type materials

Synthesis and low temperature thermoelectric properties of Cu₂Te included Bi–Sb–Te p-type materials