A strategy to optimize the thermoelectric performance in a spark plasma sintering process.

ABSTRACT: Spark plasma sintering (SPS) is currently widely applied to existing alloys as a means of further enhancing the alloys' figure of merit. However, the determination of the optimal sintering condition is challenging in the SPS process. This report demonstrates a systematic way to independently optimize the Seebeck coefficient S and the ratio of electrical to thermal conductivity (σ/κ) and thus achieve the maximum figure of merit zT = S(2)(σ/κ)T. Sb2-xInxTe3 (x = 0-0.2) were chosen as examples to validate the method. Although high sintering temperature and pressure are helpful in enhancing the compactness and electrical conductivity of pressed samples, the resultant deteriorated Seebeck coefficient and increasing thermal conductivity eventually offset the benefit. We found that the optimal si

SUBMITTER: Chiu WT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4791595 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature