The microstructure network and thermoelectric properties of bulk (Bi,Sb)2Te3

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Wenjie Xie
  • Dale A. Hitchcock
  • Hye J. Kang
  • Jian He
  • Xinfeng Tang
  • Mark Laver
  • Boualem Hammouda
We report small-angle neutron scattering studies on the microstructure network in bulk (Bi,Sb)(2)Te-3 synthesized by the melt-spinning (MS) and the spark-plasma-sintering (SPS) process. We find that rough interfaces of multiscale microstructures generated by the MS are responsible for the large reduction of both lattice thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. Our study also finds that subsequent SPS forms a microstructure network of similar to 10 nm thick lamellae and smooth interfaces between them. This nanoscale microstructure network with smooth interfaces increases electrical conductivity while keeping a low thermal conductivity, making it an ideal microstructure for high thermoelectric efficiency.
Original languageEnglish
Article number113902
JournalApplied Physics Letters
Volume101
Issue number11
Number of pages4
ISSN0003-6951
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

ID: 49747800