Synthesis, characterization and physical properties of the skutterudites Yb{sub x}Fe{sub 2}Ni{sub 2}Sb{sub 12} (0{<=}x{<=}0.4)
- Department of Chemistry, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS (United Kingdom)
- ISIS Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0OX (United Kingdom)
The skutterudites Yb{sub x}Fe{sub 2}Ni{sub 2}Sb{sub 12} (0{<=}x{<=}0.4) have been prepared by solid-state reaction and characterised by powder X-ray diffraction. The compounds crystallise in the cubic space group Im3{sup Macron} (a Almost-Equal-To 9.1 A) with Yb atoms partially filling the voids in the skutterudite framework. A neutron time-of-flight diffraction experiment for Fe{sub 2}Ni{sub 2}Sb{sub 12} confirms the disorder of Fe and Ni atoms on the transition-metal site. Electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity measurements indicate that the thermoelectric performance of the skutterudites shows a marked dependence on the Yb content. Magnetic measurements over the temperature range 2{<=}T/K{<=}300 show paramagnetic behaviour for all compounds. Decomposition studies under an oxidising atmosphere at elevated temperatures have also been carried out by thermogravimetric analysis. - Graphical abstract: The filled skutterudites Yb{sub x}Fe{sub 2}Ni{sub 2}Sb{sub 12} have been prepared by solid-state reaction and characterised by powder X-ray diffraction. The thermoelectric performance depends strongly on the Yb content. The physical properties and thermal stability of the compounds are further discussed in comparison with the current state-of-the art thermoelectric skutterudites. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A new series of skutterudites has been prepared and characterised. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Physical properties are affected by the degree of Yb filling. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The highest thermoelectric performance is found for Yb{sub 0.15}Fe{sub 2}Ni{sub 2}Sb{sub 12}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The skutterudites decompose in air above 550 K.
- OSTI ID:
- 22149797
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Solid State Chemistry, Journal Name: Journal of Solid State Chemistry Vol. 193; ISSN 0022-4596; ISSN JSSCBI
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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