Thermoelectric properties of mineral tetrahedrites Cu 10Tr 2Sb 4S 13 with low thermal conductivity

Koichiro Suekuni, Kojiro Tsuruta, Tomoki Ariga, Mikio Koyano

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171 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We have investigated thermoelectric properties of synthesized mineral Cu 10Tr 2Sb 4S 13 (Tr = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) tetrahedrites, which have a cubic and complex crystal structure. The mother phase Tr = Cu shows metal-semiconductor transition and anomalous hysteresis. Through various Tr substitutions, the thermopower was increased and thermal conductivity was decreased. Results show that Tr = Ni had the largest dimensionless figure of merit ZT of 0.15 at 340K. The main advantage for the large ZT is the quite low lattice thermal conductivity. Because of the large ZT and the environmentally friendly components, tetrahedrites are anticipated as a good thermoelectric material.

Original languageEnglish
Article number051201
JournalApplied Physics Express
Volume5
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2012
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Engineering(all)
  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

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