Nanostructured Thermoelectric Skutterudite Co_1−<i>x</i>Ni_<i>x</i>Sb₃ Alloys

Abstract

Nanostructured Ni-doped skutterudites Co 1− x Ni x Sb 3 (with x ranging from 0.01 to 0.09) were prepared by ball milling and direct-current induced hot press. It was found that the thermal conductivity was reduced due to strong electron–phonon scattering from Ni-doping as well as phonon scattering from the increased grain boundary of the nanostructures. A maximum dimensionless figure-of-merit of 0.7 was obtained in Co 0.91 Ni 0.09 Sb 3 at 525 °C.