Work

Obstacles to applications of nanostructured thermoelectric alloys

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: A major theme in thermoelectric research is based on controlling the formation of nanostructures that occur naturally in bulk intermetallic alloys through various types of thermodynamic phase transformation processes (He et al., 2013). The question of how such nanostructures form and why they lead to a high thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) are scientifically interesting and worthy of attention. However, as we discuss in this opinion, any processing route based on thermodynamic phase transformations alone will be difficult to implement in thermoelectric applications where thermal stability and reliability are important. Attention should also be focused on overcoming these limitations through advanced post-processing techniques.

Source: Frontiers in Chemistry

DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2014.00111

Authors: Peter A. Sharma, Joshua D. Sugar

Institutions: Sandia National Laboratories, Sandia National Laboratories California

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801

Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Sandia National Laboratories