Preparation of Functionally Graded Cu/AlN/Cu Electrode Materials for Thermoelectric Devices

Abstract

The Cu/AlN/Cu functionally graded materials (FGMs) were successfully fabricated using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method, and a two-step process was used. First, a symmetrical porositygraded AlN plate was prepared using AlN powder consisting of particles of varying sizes. Afterwards, graded Cu/AlN/Cu samples were made by introducing Cu into the pores of the external, porous AlN layer.