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Thermoelectric materials having porosity

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1150014

A thermoelectric material and a method of making a thermoelectric material are provided. In certain embodiments, the thermoelectric material comprises at least 10 volume percent porosity. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric material has a zT greater than about 1.2 at a temperature of about 375 K. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric material comprises a topological thermoelectric material. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric material comprises a general composition of (Bi.sub.1-xSb.sub.x).sub.u(Te.sub.1-ySe.sub.y).sub.w, wherein 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1, 1.8.ltoreq.u.ltoreq.2.2, 2.8.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.3.2. In further embodiments, the thermoelectric material includes a compound having at least one group IV element and at least one group VI element. In certain embodiments, the method includes providing a powder comprising a thermoelectric composition, pressing the powder, and sintering the powder to form the thermoelectric material.

Research Organization:
Ohio State University, Columbus, OH (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Assignee:
ZT Plus (Azusa, CA); The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
Patent Number(s):
8,795,545
Application Number:
13/436,521
OSTI ID:
1150014
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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