Narrow bandgap Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 thermophotovoltaic cells

Abstract

The narrow bandgap Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 thermophotovoltaic cells (2 cm × 2 cm) were fabricated by magnetron sputtering and vacuum thermal evaporation. The devices can convert long wavelength infrared photons emitted from low temperature radiation sources (300 K-470 K) into electricity. Both the short-circuit current and the open-circuit voltage increase with the temperature of the radiation source. Under the radiation of the heat source of the temperature 470 K, the cells exhibit a short-circuit current of 1.2 µA and an open-circuit voltage of 57.25 µV. Detailed characteristics of the cells are presented and discussed.