Self-regulation of the carrier concentration for high thermoelectric performance

摘要

The present inventors have found that, PbTe / Ag 2 _Te composite doped homogeneous Ag is high thermoelectric associated with the specific temperature at which the gradient of the doping concentration caused by the temperature dependency of the solubility of Ag in the PbTe matrix material within is induced it is demonstrated herein (more than about 50% composite doped with La) indicating that performance. Provides a new mechanism to achieve higher thermoelectric efficiency provided by the material system given, the method is generally applicable to thermoelectric materials other. In one embodiment, includes an excess dopant having a solubility limit increases with increasing temperature (T), to provide a composite. [Selection Figure Figure 5