Work

Strain-induced enhancement of the thermoelectric power in thin films of hole-doped La2NiO4+δ

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: We propose a novel route for optimizing the thermoelectric power of a polaronic conductor, independent of its electronic conductivity. This mechanism is exemplified here in thin-films of La2NiO4+δ. Tensile stress induced by epitaxial growth on SrTiO3 doubles the thermoelectric power of ≈15 nm thick films relative to ≈90 nm films, while the electronic conductivity remains practically unchanged. Epitaxial strain influences the statistical contribution to the high temperature thermopower, but introduces a smaller correction to the electronic conductivity. This mechanism provides a new way for optimizing the high temperature thermoelectric performance of polaronic conductors.

Source: APL Materials

DOI: 10.1063/1.4818356

Authors: P. L. Bach, J. M. Vila-Fungueiriño, V. Leborán, Elías Ferreiro-Vila, B. Rodríguez-González, F. Rivadulla

Institutions: Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Universidade de Vigo

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,200

Funders: Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, FP7 Ideas: European Research Council