Hui Chen

Electric and mechanical performances of Bi0.5 Sb1.5 Te3 prepared by spark plasma sintering

Abstract Thermoelectric (TE) materials are a kind of functional materials which can be used to convert directly heat energy to electricity or reversely. The thermoelectric effects hold great potential for application in power generation and refrigeration. Bi2Te3 and its alloys are well known as best TE materials currently available near room temperature. This paper studies respectively the effects of spark plasma sintering (SPS) on electric performance of Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 thermoelectric materials that are prepared through vacuum melting and ball milling. Through X-ray Diffraction and cold field emission scanning electric microscope s4800, the phase constituent and microstructure of the TE materials samples were analyzed. Electric conductivity and power factor can be improved with the rise of Spark Plasma Sintering temperature (from 300 to 500 °C) and pressure (from 30 to 60 MPa), and the density and mechanical strength of Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 thermoelectric material increase, too.

Effects of hot pressing on electric performances of Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3

Abstract The effects of hot pressing on electric performance and mechanical strength of Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 thermoelectric material prepared through vacuum melting and milling were studied. The phase constituent and microstructure were analyzed by X-ray Diffraction and cold field emission Scanning Electric Microscope. Aeolotropisms of the material on microstructure and electric performances are approved. With the rise of hot pressing temperature (from 300 – 500 °C) and pressure (30 – 70 MPa), electric conductivity and power factor are improved. Moreover, Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 material can gain ideal thermoelectric performances and increased mechanical strength by hot pressing.