Macroscopic thermoelectric inhomogeneities in (AgSbTe2)x(PbTe)1−x

摘要: Exceptionally high thermoelectric figure of merit (zT>2), has been reported for (Ag1−ySbTe2)0.05(PbTe)0.95, which may involve the nanoscale microstructure. However, conflicting reports on same materials claim only zT 1 or less. Here we show that (Ag1−ySbTe2)0.05(PbTe)0.95 are multiphase scale millimeters despite appearing homogeneous by x-ray diffraction and routine electron microscopy. Using a scanning Seebeck microprobe, find significant variation coefficient (including both n-type p-type behavior in sample) can explain discrepancy zT. More samples be prepared with faster cooling rates.