Nanostructured thermoelectric skutterudite Co(1-x)Ni(x)Sb3 alloys

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2008 Aug;8(8):4003-6. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2008.469.

Abstract

Nanostructured Ni-doped skutterudites Co(1-x)Ni(x)Sb3 (with x ranging from 0.01 to 0.09) were prepared by ball milling and direct-current induced hot press. It was found that the thermal conductivity was reduced due to strong electron-phonon scattering from Ni-doping as well as phonon scattering from the increased grain boundary of the nanostructures. A maximum dimensionless figure-of-merit of 0.7 was obtained in Co0.91Ni0.09Sb3 at 525 degrees C.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.