Novel Thermoelectric Materials

Abstract

We examined a large number of rare earth intermetallic compounds in the search for materials with improved thermoelectric efficiency. After an extensive study of those compounds that displayed large thermopowers due to intermediate valence effects, we concluded that attainable efficiencies in this class of compounds were unlikely to surpass that of currently available Bi2Te3 devices. We then turned our attention to semi-conducting systems. An analysis of the current theories suggests that complex materials of cubic symmetry have the potential to exhibit significantly improved efficiencies. Synthesis experiments to explore this conjecture were undertaken and novel materials discovered. However, in the project period there was not enough time to fully explore this new hypothesis.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 13, 2001
Accession Number
ADA389054

Entities

People

  • Francis J. Disalvo

Organizations

  • Cornell University Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alloys
  • Band Gaps
  • Chemical Compounds
  • Chemistry
  • Crystal Structure
  • Efficiency
  • Electrical Properties
  • Energy Bands
  • Figure Of Merit
  • Intermetallic Compounds
  • Materials
  • Metallic Compounds
  • Physical Properties
  • Semiconductors
  • Students
  • Thermal Conductivity
  • Transport Properties

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