PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROCESSES AT THE Bi_2Te_2.4Se_0.6/Fe CONTACT

摘要

The physicochemical compatibility between low-temperature n-type thermoelectric material and Fe was studied in the temperature range 570-670 K. The phases originating from reaction diffusion at the interface were identified. The contact strength and electrical power of the n-leg were related to the thickness of the intermediate layers. The service life of low-temperature thermopiles was evaluated as a function of the hot-junction temperature. The results demonstrate that ,to attain a service life of 25 years, the hot-junction temperature of thermopiles with Fe terminals should be 90 K higher than that in the case of Co terminals. This ensures a twofold increase in electrical power and a 40/100 gain in efficiency.