Thermoelectric properties of n-Bi-Sb sintered alloys prepared by spark plasma sintering method

Abstract

Bi-Sb sintered alloys were prepared by the SPS process using Bi and Sb fine powder. The reaction between Bi and Sb proceeded with increasing sintering temperature, with the result that the entire Bi-Sb alloy could be formed. Electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of the obtained sample increased with increase in the sintering temperature. The thermal conductivity had no dependence on the sintering temperature. The figure of merit Z at room temperature increased with increase in the sintering temperature, and reached up to 1.15/spl times/10/sup -3/ K/sup -1/.