CoSb{sub 3}-IrSb{sub 3} solid solutions: preparation and characterization
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology 4800, Oak Grove Drive, MS 277-212, Pasadena, California 91109 (United States)
The binary antimonide compounds of the skutterudite family have a good potential for thermoelectric applications as recent results at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have shown. However, the room temperature thermal conductivity of these materials is about 10 Wm{sup {minus}1}K{sup {minus}1} with an estimated 80% contribution from the lattice. To achieve maximum {ital ZT} values, the lattice thermal conductivity needs to be lowered. Because the lattice thermal conductivity of solid solutions can substantially decrease due to the addition of point defect phonon scattering (all state of the art thermoelectric materials are solid solutions), a study of the formation of solid solutions between the antimonide skutterudite compounds is of interest. The existence of CoP{sub 3}-CoAs{sub 3} and CoAs{sub 3}-CoSb{sub 3} solid solutions was already reported in the literature. The preparation and characterization of both {ital p}-type and {ital n}-type CoSb{sub 3}-IrSb{sub 3} solid solutions by several techniques is reviewed in this paper. The homogeneity of the samples and the existence of solid solutions were investigated using mass density measurements, X-ray diffractometry, microprobe analysis and optical microscopy. The thermal conductivity, the electrical resistivity, and the Hall mobility were measured from 25 to 500 {degree}C. Experimental results showed that solid solutions were successfully formed in a wide range of compositions. Some immiscibility was observed but may be due to the preparation conditions. The changes in the thermoelectric properties indicated the influence of a strong point defect scattering, resulting in large decreases in Hall mobility and thermal conductivity. The potential for high {ital ZT} values in CoSb{sub 3}-IrSb{sub 3} solid solutions is discussed. {copyright} {ital 1995} {ital American} {ital Institute} {ital of} {ital Physics}.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 168189
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-940830--
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 316; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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