Half-Heusler (TiZrHf)NiSn Unileg Module with High Powder Density

Materials (Basel). 2013 Mar 27;6(4):1326-1332. doi: 10.3390/ma6041326.

Abstract

(TiZrHf)NiSn half-Heusler compounds were prepared by arc melting and their thermoelectric properties characterized in the temperature range between 325 K and 857 K, resulting in a Figure of Merit ZT ≈ 0.45. Furthermore, the prepared samples were used to construct a unileg module. This module was characterized in a homemade thermoelectric module measurement stand and yielded 275 mW/cm² and a maximum volumetric power density of 700 mW/cm³. This was reached using normal silver paint as a contacting material; from an improved contacting, much higher power yields are to be expected.

Keywords: half-Heusler compounds; thermoelectric modules; thermoelectricity.