Research has been focused on the Co-based thermoelectric family since the discovery of thermoelectric properties in NaCo₂O₄ ceramics. The formation of strong grain boundaries has been achieved in several ceramic materials through the addition of metallic Ag, forming the liquid phase. In the case of Ca₃Co₄O₉ ceramic materials, it is essential to find a comparable additive. In this study, K₂CO₃ is analyzed as liquid phase promoter ...
The laser floating zone method was used to prepare Pb doped Bi2-xPbxBa2Co2Oy thermoelectric materials with x=0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6. The highest power factor reported was obtained at 650oC for the 0.2 Pb doped samples. This value was higher than that for pure laser grown Bi2Ba2Co2Oy materials. The thermal conductivity was decreased, as is desired in thermoelectric materials....
