Self-Tuning n-Type Bi₂(Te,Se)₃/SiC Thermoelectric Nanocomposites to Realize High Performances up to 300 °C.

ABSTRACT: Bi₂Te₃ thermoelectric materials are utilized for refrigeration for decades, while their application of energy harvesting requires stable thermoelectric and mechanical performances at elevated temperatures. This work reveals that a steady zT of ≈0.85 at 200 to 300 °C can be achieved by doping small amounts of copper iodide (CuI) in Bi₂Te_2.2Se_0.8-silicon carbide (SiC) composites, where SiC nanodispersion enhances the flexural strength. It is found that CuI plays two important roles with atomic Cu/I dopants and CuI precipitates. The Cu/I dopants show a self-tuning behavior due to increasing solubility with increasing temperatures. The increased doping concentration increases electrical conductivity at high temperatures and effectiv

SUBMITTER: Pan Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5700642 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature