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Obstacles to applications of nanostructured thermoelectric alloys

Journal Article · · Frontiers in Chemistry
 [1];  [2]
  1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Quantum Phenomena; DOE/OSTI
  2. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States). Materials Physics

A major theme in thermoelectric research is based on controlling the formation of nanostructures that occur naturally in bulk intermetallic alloys through various types of thermodynamic phase transformation processes (He et al., 2013). The question of how such nanostructures form and why they lead to a high thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) are scientifically interesting and worthy of attention. However, as we discuss in this opinion, any processing route based on thermodynamic phase transformations alone will be difficult to implement in thermoelectric applications where thermal stability and reliability are important. Attention should also be focused on overcoming these limitations through advanced post-processing techniques.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division
Grant/Contract Number:
NA0003525
OSTI ID:
1628997
Journal Information:
Frontiers in Chemistry, Journal Name: Frontiers in Chemistry Vol. 2; ISSN 2296-2646
Publisher:
Frontiers Research FoundationCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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