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Title: Influence of Bi on embedded nanocrystal formation and thermoelectric properties of GaAs

Journal Article · · Journal of Applied Physics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4906992· OSTI ID:1370088
 [1];  [1]; ORCiD logo [2];  [3];  [2];  [2];  [2]; ORCiD logo [4]
  1. Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States). Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering
  2. Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States). Dept. of Physics
  3. Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States). Dept. of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences
  4. Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States). Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering; Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States). Dept. of Physics

We have examined the influence of Bi on embedded nanocomposite formation and the resulting thermoelectric properties of GaAs. Bi implantation amorphizes the GaAs matrix, reducing both the free carrier concentration (n) and the electrical conductivity (σ). Following rapid thermal annealing, the matrix is transformed to single crystal GaAs with embedded Bi nanocrystals (NCs). In comparison to a GaAs reference, the Bi NC-containing films exhibit a sizeable reduction in thermal conductivity (κ), leading to a 30% increase in the thermoelectric figure-of-merit. We also present a universal trend for the influence of microstructure on the n-dependence of σ and κ.

Research Organization:
Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC) (United States). Center for Solar and Thermal Energy Conversion (CSTEC)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0000957
OSTI ID:
1370088
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1228532
Journal Information:
Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 117, Issue 6; Related Information: CSTEC partners with University of Michigan (lead); Kent State University; ISSN 0021-8979
Publisher:
American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 3 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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