Thermoelectric properties of YbxEu1−xCd2Sb2

• DOI: 10.1063/1.3501370
• Publication Date: 2010-11-16T23:58:16Z
• Authors: H. Zhang; L. Fang; M.-B. Tang; Z. Y. Man; H. H. Chen; X. X. Yang; M. Baitinger; Y. Grin; J.-T. Zhao
• Keywords: 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; 7. Clean energy

The thermoelectric performance of EuCd2Sb2 and YbCd2Sb2 was improved by mixed cation occupation. The composition, structure, and thermoelectric properties of YbxEu1−xCd2Sb2 (x=0, 0.5, 0.75, and 1) have been investigated. Polycrystalline samples are prepared by direct reaction of the elements. Thermoelectric properties were investigated after densification of the materials by spark plasma sintering. YbxEu1−xCd2Sb2 crystallizes in the P3¯m1 space group. The lattice parameters increase with the europium content. These materials show low electrical resistivity, high Seebeck coefficient, and low thermal conductivity together with high carrier concentration and high carrier mobility. ZT values of 0.88 and 0.97 are obtained for Yb0.5Eu0.5Cd2Sb2 and Yb0.75Eu0.25Cd2Sb2 at 650 K, respectively.