A series of Bi(2-x)Sb(x)Te3 powders were prepared via hydrothermal methods by varying x (x=1.45, 1.50, 1.55, 1.56). These powders were then heavily characterized by XRD, EDS, ICP-AES, TEM, SEM and the TPS technique. A low thermal conductivity was desired, so as to give the highest thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT). It was determined that the highest figure of merit was obtained when x=1.55, which resulted in a value of 1.65 ...
A series of compacted Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 nanoplatelets are synthesized using hydrothermal methods, followed by cold pressing and sintering at temperatures between 300°C and 380°C. A variety of thermal, mechanical and electrical analyses are then performed on the synthesized nanoplatelets including: TPS technique for thermal conductivity, SEM/TEM/AFM to elucidate the mechanical and physical properties of the nanoplatelets, and the Oxford closed cycle cooler cryostat for measurement of electrical ...