Nanoporous PbSe–SiO2 Thermoelectric Composites

• DOI: 10.1002/advs.201700199
• Publication Date: 2017-08-12T04:10:42Z
• Authors: Chao‐Feng Wu; Tian‐Ran Wei; Fu‐Hua Sun; Jing‐Feng Li
• Keywords: Nanoporous; Spark Plasma Sintering; Nanopore

Abstract Nanoporous architecture has long been predicted theoretically for its proficiency in suppressing thermal conduction, but less concerned as a practical approach better thermoelectric materials hitherto probably due to technical challenges. This article demonstrates study on nanoporous PbSe–SiO 2 composites fabricated by facile method of mechanical alloying assisted subsequent wet‐milling and then spark plasma sintering. Owing the formation random nanopores additional interface scattering, lattice conductivity is limited value low 0.56 W m −1 K at above 600 K, almost same level achieved introducing nanoscale precipitates. Besides, room‐temperature electrical transport found be dominated grain‐boundary potential barrier whose effect fades away with increasing temperatures. Consequently, maximum ZT 1.15 823 PbSe + 0.7 vol% SiO composition >20% increase average , indicating great structuring toward high conversion efficiency.