Synthesis and Thermoelectric Properties of Lead Chalcogenide Nanocomposites

Abstract

AbstractDoped lead telluride dimensional nanocomposites were prepared by densifying nanocrystals synthesized employing an alkaline aqueous solution-phase reaction. The nanocrystal synthesis procedure resulted in high product yields of over 2 g per batch. These nanocrystals were then subjected to Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) for densification. Transport properties were evaluated through temperature dependent resistivity, Hall, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity measurements. The results for these lead telluride nanocomposites were compared to bulk polycrystalline lead tellurides with similar carrier concentrations.