A Thermoelectric Generator Concept Using a p–n Junction: Experimental Proof of Principle

• DOI: 10.1007/s11664-012-2399-5
• Publication Date: 2013-02-04T15:21:21Z
• Authors: André Becker; Ruben Chavez; Nils Petermann; Gabi Schierning; Roland Schmechel
• Keywords: 0103 physical sciences; 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; 7. Clean energy; 01 natural sciences; Elektrotechnik

Conventional thermoelectric generators (TEGs) use single p- and n-doped legs for thermoelectric energy harvesting. We explore a concept using thermoelectric p–n junctions made from densified silicon nanoparticles. The nanoparticle powder was synthesized in a microwave plasma reactor using silane, diborane, and phosphine as precursors. To achieve a bulk sample with a p–n junction, a layer of boron-doped nanoparticle powder was stacked on a layer of phosphorus-doped powder and compacted by current-activated pressure- assisted densification. To use the p–n structure as a TEG, a temperature gradient was applied along the p–n junction. It is expected that this temperature gradient leads to electron–hole pair generation and separation in the junction, and diffusion of the charge carriers. A reference method was used to characterize the open-circuit voltage of the p–n junction TEG.