Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: In this work, we investigate the crystal anharmonic effects in the thermoelectric properties of n-type PbTe. The lattice thermal transport coefficient is computed by employing an isotropic continuum model for the dispersion relation for acoustic as well as optical phonon branches, an isotropic continuum model for crystal anharmonicity, and the single-mode relaxation time scheme. The electronic components of the transport coefficients in a wide temperature range are calculated using the isotropic-nearly-free-electron model, interaction of electrons with deformation potential of acoustic phonons, and the effect of the band non-parabolicity. It is found that the transverse optical branches play a major role in determining the phonon conductivity and the thermoelectric figure of merit of this material.
Source: Journal of Applied Physics
DOI: 10.1063/1.4891201
Authors: Jawaher Al-Otaibi, G. P. Srivastava
Institution: University of Exeter
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: King Saud University
OpenAlex ID: W2060413509