Operando X-ray scattering study of thermoelectric β-Zn4Sb3.

ABSTRACT: The application of thermoelectrics for energy harvesting depends strongly on operational reliability and it is therefore desirable to investigate the structural integrity of materials under operating conditions. We have developed an operando setup capable of simultaneously measuring X-ray scattering data and electrical resistance on pellets subjected to electrical current. Here, operando investigations of β-Zn4Sb3 are reported at current densities of 0.5, 1.14 and 2.3 A mm-2. At 0.5 A mm-2 no sample decomposition is observed, but Rietveld refinements reveal increased zinc occupancy from the anode to the cathode demonstrating zinc migration under applied current. At 1.14 A mm-2 β-Zn4Sb3 decomposes into ZnSb, but pair distribution function analysis shows that Zn2Sb2 units are preserved durin

SUBMITTER: Rabol Jorgensen L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6949592 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature