Melt-spun materials based on an n-type Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 solid solution

Abstract

Halide-doped n-type samples of the Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 solid solution have been prepared by hot-pressing melt-spun powders. The morphology of the powders and fracture surfaces of the hot-pressed samples have been examined by scanning electron microscopy, and the electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity of the samples have been measured at room temperature and in the range 100–700 K. The thermoelectric properties of the samples have been compared to those of a sample prepared by extruding a mechanically ground ingot. The highest thermoelectric figure of merit of the materials obtained in this study is ZT ≃ 0.9.