Enhanced thermoelectric properties in PbTe Nanocomposites

Abstract

AbstractDimensional nanocomposites of PbTe with varying carrier concentrations were prepared from undoped and Ag doped PbTe nanocrystals synthesized utilizing an alkaline aqueous solution-phase reaction. The nanocrystals were densified by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) for room temperature resistivity, Hall, Seebeck coefficient, and temperature dependent thermal conductivity measurements. The nanocomposites show an enhancement in the thermoelectric properties compared to bulk PbTe with similar carrier concentrations, thus demonstrating a promising approach for enhanced thermoelectric performance.