A method of producing thermoelectric devices utilising transition metals and their oxides and the devices so produced.

摘要

The present invention is concerned with a method for producing thermo-electric devices by flame spraying transition metal powders, so as to produce semi conducting transition metal oxide deposits, having n or p type conductive properties, onto a variety of conducting or non conducting substrates. The oxide deposits are combined in a variety of configurations such that they will produce positive or negative temperature changes in the bulk, or at the junctions of dissimilar substances, as a result of the passage of electrical energy, or the passage of electrical energy combined with an applied magnetic field. The degree to which the transition metal oxide sprayed deposits exhibit n or p properties may be determined by adjusting the various process parameters. In addition the electrical conductivities of the sprayed n or p type deposits may be greatly enhanced by the use of dopant elements from other parts of the periodic table.