Zn1-xBixO (0 <= x <= 0.02) for thermoelectric power generations

Abstract

We prepared Zn1-xBixO (0 <= x <= 0.02) thermoelectric materials using the tape casting method and then studied their thermoelectric properties. The electrical conductivity of Zn1-xBixO decreased with an increase in Bi2O3 content The Seebeck coefficient values were negative over the entire temperature range (600-800 degrees C). i e., an n-type conduction. The highest absolute value of the Seebeck coefficient (484 mu V K-1) was obtained for Zn0.9975Bi0.0025O at 800 degrees C. We obtained a significantly enhanced thermoelectric power factor by adding Bi2O3. The highest power factor (3.06 x 10 (4) Wm(-1) K-2) was obtained for Zn0.9975Bi0.0025O at 800 degrees C This value was about six times higher than that of Bi2O3-free ZnO (0.54 x 10(-4) Wm(-1) K-2) at 800 degrees C. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.