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Simultaneous optimization of Seebeck, electrical and thermal conductivity in free-solidified Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 alloy via liquid-state manipulation

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Abstract

(BiSb)2Te3-based alloy is one of the best p-type thermoelectric (TE) materials near room temperature. However, it is challenging to improve its ZT value due to the interrelated Seebeck coefficient (S), electrical conductivity (σ), and thermal conductivity (κ). In this study, the synergistic optimization of S, σ, and κ has been easily achieved in Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 alloy by liquid-state manipulation (LSM). Specifically, more Te-rich eutectic strips are observed in the LSM sample, which would increase carrier density (p) and thus improve σ. Meanwhile, via LSM, the raised effective mass m* could compensate the effect of increased p on S and thus an enhanced S is obtained. Furthermore, the larger amount of nanoparticles, higher density of lattice distortions, and dislocations in the LSM sample would contribute to scattering phonons and a lower κ is attained. As a result, the highest ZT of 0.7 at 352 K is attained which is 40% higher than that of traditional melted Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 alloy.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51371073) and by the National Key Basic Research Program of China (2012CB825702).

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Author notes

  1. Na Gao and Bin Zhu have contributed equally to this work.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Liquid/Solid Metal Processing Institute, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, 230009, China

    Na Gao, Bin Zhu, Xiao-yu Wang, Yuan Yu & Fang-qiu Zu

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  1. Na Gao
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  2. Bin Zhu
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  3. Xiao-yu Wang
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  4. Yuan Yu
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  5. Fang-qiu Zu
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Correspondence to Fang-qiu Zu.

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I would like to declare on behalf of my co-authors that the work described was original research that has not been published previously, and not under consideration for publication elsewhere, in whole or in part. All the authors listed have approved the manuscript that is enclosed and declared that they have no conflict of interest.

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Gao, N., Zhu, B., Wang, Xy. et al. Simultaneous optimization of Seebeck, electrical and thermal conductivity in free-solidified Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 alloy via liquid-state manipulation. J Mater Sci 53, 9107–9116 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-018-2209-4

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