Work

Impact of neutron irradiation on structural stability and thermoelectric properties of Sb2Te3

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Antimony telluride (Sb 2 Te 3 ) was synthesized using solid-state reaction. The material was subjected to neutron irradiation for durations of 15 and 30 days to investigate radiation-induced modifications and their impact on thermoelectric properties. X-ray diffraction and FESEM studies confirmed the retention of the rhombohedral polycrystalline phase and anisotropic polyhedral morphology. This indicated a negligible impact of neutron irradiation on the material. The absence of elemental transmutation under neutron exposure was confirmed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Thermoelectric measures revealed that neutron irradiation effectively acted as a doping mechanism. Irradiation has significantly enhanced the hole concentration in the material. The Seebeck coefficient for the pristine sample was found to be 260 µ V/K. The Seebeck coefficient increased to a value of 312 µ V/K at 600 K for the 15-day irradiated sample. The electrical resistivity remained unchanged after neutron irradiation. Thermoelectric performance, such as power factor, improved after neutron irradiation.

Source: Journal of Materials Science Materials in Electronics

DOI: 10.1007/s10854-026-17692-0

Authors: Sidharth S. Rao, Manasa R. Shankar, G. Poojitha, A. N. Prabhu, Ashok Rao, Pramoda Kumara Shetty

Institution: Manipal Academy of Higher Education

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: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,990