Multilayer thermoelectric films: A strategy for the enhancement of ZT
The relative efficiency of a thermoelectric material is measured in terms of a dimensionless figure of merit, ZT. Although all known thermoelectric materials are believed to have ZT {le} 1, recent theoretical results predict that thermoelectric devices fabricated as two-dimensional quantum wells (2D QWs) could have ZT {ge} 3. Multilayers with the dimensions of 2D QWs have been synthesized by alternately sputtering Bi{sub 0.9}Sb{sub 0.1} and PbTe{sub 0.8}Se{sub 0.2} onto a moving substrate from a pair of magnetron sources. These materials have been synthesized to test the thermoelectric quantum-well concept and gain insight into relevant transport mechanisms. This work focuses primarily on the scientific issues involved in producing the materials necessary to examine the possibility of enhancing ZT using quantum confinement. The techniques needed to measure the relevant electrical parameters of thermoelectric thin films are developed in this paper. Ultimately, if a quantum well enhancement of thermoelectrics is experimentally observed, devices based on this technology could be used to greatly expand the role of thermoelectrics in power generation and refrigeration.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 71575
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC-120255; CONF-950729-3; ON: DE95011535
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 30. intersociety energy conversion engineering conference, Orlando, FL (United States), 30 Jul - 5 Aug 1995; Other Information: PBD: Mar 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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