Effect of chromium content on thermoelectric properties of Bi 2Te 3

Abstract

p-Type Bi 2Te 3-based thermoelectric materials with a nominal composition of Cr xBi 2Te 3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) have been prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction. The solubility limit of Cr in Bi 2Te 3 for equilibrium growth of bulk crystals was found to be around 4 at.%. Detailed charge transport datas including electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient are presented in order to investigate the effect of Cr on the thermoelectric properties of Bi 2Te 3. © 2011 IEEE.