Work

Effect of the interface on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of bismuth telluride films

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Bismuth telluride (Bi 2 Te 3 ) is a type of thermoelectric material used for energy generation that does not cause pollution. Increasing the thermoelectric conversion efficiency (ZT) is one of the most important steps in the development of thermoelectric components. In this study, we use molecular dynamics to investigate the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of quintuple layers of Bi 2 Te 3 nanofilms with different atomic arrangements at the interface and study the effects of varying layers, angles, and grain boundaries. The results indicate that the Bi 2 Te 3 nanofilm perfect substrate has the ideal Young's modulus and thermal conductivity, and the maximum yield stress is observed for a thickness of ∼90 Å. As the interface changed, the structural disorder of atomic arrangement affected the mechanical properties; moreover, the phonons encounter lattice disordered atomic region will produce scattering reduce heat conduction. The results of this investigation are helpful for the application of Bi 2 Te 3 nanofilms as thermoelectric materials.

Source: Materials Research Express

DOI: 10.1088/2053-1591/aaacef

Authors: Tang-Yu Lai, Kuan-Yu Wang, Te-Hua Fang, Chao-Chun Huang

Institution: National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan