Thermoelectric properties of Fe-doped CoSb_3 prepared by mechanical alloying and vacuum hot pressing

摘要

Fe doped skutterudite CoSb_3 with a nominal composition of Fe_xCo_(4 - x)Sb_(12) (0 < = x < = 2.5), were synthesized by mechanical alloying of elemental powders, and consolidated by vacuum hot pressing. Nanostructured, single-phase skutterudites were successfully produced for the compositions of x < = 1.5, while second phase was found to form in case of x > = 2. Thermoelectric properties including thermal conductivity from 300 to 600 K were measured and discussed. Lattice thermal conductivity was greatly reduced by introducing Fe doping up to x < = 1.5 as well as by increasing phonon scattering in nanostructured skutterudite, leading to enhancement in the thermoelectric figure of merit.