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Synthesis of New Thermoelectrics Using Modulated Elemental Reactants

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2011

Marc D. Hornbostel ,
Heike Sellinschegg  and
David C. Johnson
Marc D. Hornbostel
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry and Materials Science Institute University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
Heike Sellinschegg
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry and Materials Science Institute University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
David C. Johnson
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry and Materials Science Institute University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403
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Abstract

A series of new, metastable ternary crystalline compounds with the skutterudite crystal structure have been synthesized using modulated elemental reactants. The initial reactants are made up of multiple repeats of a ˜25Å thick unit containing elemental layers of the desired ternary metal, iron and antimony. Low temperature annealing (150°C) results in interdiffusion of the elemental layers to form amorphous reaction intermediates. Annealing these intermediates at temperatures between 200°C and 250°C results in exothermic crystallization of the desired skutterudite crystal structure. Most of the new compounds prepared are only kinetically stable, decomposing exothermically to form thermodynamically more stable mixtures of binary compounds and elements. Low angle x-ray diffraction studies show that the resulting films are exceedingly smooth. These films have an ideal geometry for measuring properties of importance for thermoelectric devices—the Seebeck coefficient and the electrical conductivity. Thermal conductivity can be measured using a modification of the 3ω technique of Cahill. Samples can be produced rapidly, allowing for systematic screening and subsequent optimization as a function of composition and doping levels.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 478: Symposium Q – Thermoelectric Materials - New Directions and Approaches , 1997 , 211
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1997

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