Materials Based on Solid Solutions of Bismuth Chalcogenides of n-Type Conductivity Prepared by Melt Crystallization in a Liquid

Abstract

The microstructure, mechanical, and thermoelectric properties of samples of the n-type Bi₂Te₃–Bi₂Se₃ solid-solution samples containing 6, 8, and 10 mol % Bi₂Se₃, doped with antimony iodide, cadmium chloride, and hexabromobenzene, are investigated. The samples are formed by hot pressing and the extrusion of granules prepared by melt crystallization in a liquid and ground in a mortar, cutting mill, and ball mill. Measurements are performed at room temperature and in the range of 100–600 K. The formation conditions and compositions of materials with an ultimate compressive strength of ~250 MPa and thermoelectric efficiency of (ZT)_max = (0.9–1.0) in the temperature range of 320–430 K are found.