Phase Content and Thermoelectric Properties of Optimized Thermoelectric Structures Based on the Ag-Pb-Sb-Te System

Results of x-ray studies and measurements of thermoelectric parameters (Seebeck coefficient S , specific electrical conductivity σ , and thermal conductivity χ ) of materials based on lead telluride, such as PbTe, PbTe:Sb, PbTe-Sb 2 Te 3 , Pb 18 Ag 1 Sb 1 Te 20 , Pb 18 Ag 2 Te 20 , and PbTe-Ag 2 Te, are presented. It was found that PbTe:Sb (with 0.3 at.% Sb) as well as Pb 18 Ag 1 Sb 1 Te 20 and Pb 18 Ag 2 Te 20 systems have the highest thermoelectric figure of merit values. In the case of PbTe:Sb, this is due to a significant increase of the electrical conductivity. In the cases of Pb 18 Ag 1 Sb 1 Te 20 and Pb 18 Ag 2 Te 20 , it is due to an increase of the Seebeck coefficient and a significant reduction in the thermal conductivity compared with pure PbTe.