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Exploration and Optimization of Tellurium‐Based Thermoelectrics

Exploration and Optimization of Tellurium‐Based Thermoelectrics

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W∙cm ‐1 K ‐2 , where decreasing values appear to taper. In this case, the largest power factor, found for<br />

0.03 In, was 6.0 W∙cm ‐1 K ‐2 at 300 K.<br />

With respect to thermal conductivity <strong>of</strong> the system (Figure 9.4), one can see that improvements<br />

are observed in almost every case though Ga trials, specifically 0.05 Ga, show the most promising<br />

decrease in . With a room temperature value <strong>of</strong> 0.31 W∙m ‐1 K ‐1 , this trial displays a thermal conductivity<br />

reduction <strong>of</strong> 40 % from the ternary compound. Like the other layered materials, the doped trials display<br />

a continuously increasing with a slope change occurring around 470 K where the bipolar conductivity,<br />

that is mobile positive <strong>and</strong> negative charge carriers, begins to control the properties. To reiterate, this<br />

behaviour can also be observed as the change in direction for the electrical conductivities above. A<br />

significant suppression <strong>of</strong> the bipolar heat conduction cannot be observed with In or Ga unfortunately,<br />

though the overall has been lowered in addition to the slopes’ reduced incline at higher temperatures.<br />

Figure 9.4 Thermal conductivity (left) <strong>and</strong> ZT (right) for doped [Tr] xSn 1‐xBi 4Te 7, Tr = Ga, In.<br />

The dimensionless figures <strong>of</strong> merit for the doped SnBi4Te7 compound show a decrease in<br />

magnitude from 0.26 (SnBi4Te7) to below 0.16 (0.10 Ga). The values were calculated by fitting the power<br />

factors with a sixth‐order polynomial <strong>and</strong> combining it with the data as per the ZT formula. Ga trials<br />

indicate that more gallium further decreases the figure <strong>of</strong> merit <strong>and</strong> In trials, while less indicative<br />

systematic reduction, still prove that added dopants have a hampering effect on ZT. It is noteworthy to<br />

observe that due to its significantly lower thermal conductivity combined with a relatively trivial<br />

decrease in power factor, small quantities <strong>of</strong> Ga in this structure actually lead to an overall<br />

enhancement in ZT beyond 470 K – a more significant temperature range for power‐generation<br />

thermoelectrics. Ga0.05Sn0.95Bi4Te7 shows a fourfold increase from 0.009 at 670 K to 0.036.<br />

104

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