THERMOELECTRIC CONVERSION MATERIAL AND ITS MANUFACTURING METHOD

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an n-type thermoelectric conversion material comprising an oxide, especially having a smaller heat conductivity value (κ). SOLUTION: The thermoelectric conversion material is a compound containing an alkaline earth metal (Ae) and titanium (Ti) and oxygen wherein the molar ratio (Ti/Ae) of the titanium and the alkaline earth metal is two or more and at least part of titanium atoms are trivalent titanium ions. The method for manufacturing the thermoelectric conversion material comprises a step of sintering a metal compound mixture into the thermoelectric conversion material. The metal compound mixture contains the alkaline earth metal (Ae) and the titanium (Ti) at the molar ratio (Ti/Ae) of two or more. The metal compound mixture is held and sintered in an inert gas atmosphere or in a reducing atmosphere at a temperature of 900°C-1,700°C. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI