Sb_3Zn_4, a promising new thermoelectric material. Elaboration and caracterisation

摘要

This work allows us to determine quantitatively the homogeneity range of Sb_3Zn_4 and its phase transformations. From these results, single phase material has been synthesised and characterised. These characterisations lead us to the following assertions: According to the literature, Sb_3Zn_4 crystallises in a R-3c space group with 66 atoms located on three kinds of site. Our phase diagram proposition is supported by X-ray diffraction measurements at high temperatures. From the electronic properties determined for Sb_3Zn_4, this compound seems to be very promising for thermoelectric applications. The structure determination of the high temperature forms of the Sb-Zn system is ongoing work in our group. Improvement for Sb_3Zn_4 will follow. An electronic environment study should give us information to choose a good doping element.