Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: Mg2Si is apart from its conductivity properties expected to be a promising candidate for thermoelectric applications due to its low toxicity, low costs, and the high abundance of its precursor chemicals. Through the addition of a homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles (e.g. MgO) and by reducing the size of Mg2Si to the nanometer regime, it is possible to decrease the thermal conductivity by increasing phonon-interface scattering and, as a result, improve the thermoelectric properties. However, classical approaches do not allow for the synthesis of nanocomposites from Mg2Si and MgO. In this work, a straightforward route is presented towards homogeneously mixed Mg2Si/MgO via a two-step magnesiothermic reduction process starting from sol–gel derived hierarchically organized porous silica. Monolithic materials composed of Mg2Si and MgO in variable molar ratios are built up from a macroporous network of Mg2Si with homogeneously distributed MgO particles exhibiting a crystallite size in the range of 24–37 nm.
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,990
Funder: Universität Salzburg
OpenAlex ID: W2888263099