High thermoelectric potential of n-type Pb1−xTixTe alloys

In an attempt to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, associated with severe environmental effects, the current research is focused on the identification of the thermoelectric potential of n-type Pb1−xTixTe alloys, with x values of up to 3%. A solubility limit of 0.5 at. % Ti in PbTe was identified,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied physics 2016-08, Vol.120 (5)
Main Authors: Komisarchik Genady, Fuks, David, Gelbstein Yaniv
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied physics
Environmental effects
Figure of merit
Fossil fuels
Functionally gradient materials
Intermetallic compounds
Thermoelectricity
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Summary:In an attempt to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, associated with severe environmental effects, the current research is focused on the identification of the thermoelectric potential of n-type Pb1−xTixTe alloys, with x values of up to 3%. A solubility limit of 0.5 at. % Ti in PbTe was identified, while beyond this composition, a precipitation of a TiTe2 phase was occurred. An impressive maximal dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit ZT of ∼1.2 was obtained upon 0.1% Ti doping at 500 °C, indicating a ∼9% efficiency enhancement compared to an undoped PbTe. It is shown that generating a functionally graded material based on undoped PbTe as a low temperature segment and a 0.1% Ti doped PbTe as a high temperature segment has a potential to enhance the efficiency by ∼14% compared to the undoped sample.
ISSN:0021-8979
1089-7550
DOI:10.1063/1.4960573