Some properties of GeTe-based thermoelectric alloys

摘要

The semiconductor alloy system (GeTe)/sub 1-x/(AgSbTe/sub 2/)/sub x/, known as TAGS, is a family of highly degenerate p-type materials with peak ZT well above room temperature. For instance, when x = 0.15, ZT is about 1.4 at 773 K, but is only /spl sim/0.2 at 300 K with a Seebeck coefficient less than 100 /spl mu/V/K. We revisit this familiar material and some related alloys with regard to their potential for operation at lower temperatures. We are seeking improved room-temperature electrical properties and, consequently, improved figure of merit.