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There is renewed interested in novel thermoelectric materials driven by potential applications such as solid state refrigeration and waste heat recovery. I explore how the structure of several leading thermoelectric materials contributes to their performance, and how these materials could be made more efficient, and hence, economically viable. I approach this from a local atomic viewpoint using the extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) technique, which is especially useful in determining the environment around specific atoms at dilute concentrations or in disordered states. I investigate the means by which Thallium doping in PbTe increases the thermoelectric performance and show how phase information unique to EXAFS gives information on whether Pb atoms are on center in the PbTe crystal lattice. I then present my work on skutterudites in which "rattling" atoms fill large voids and are consequently weakly bound to the rest of the lattice. Building on this project I present a theoretical model for predicting the interaction of the "cage" with the rattler atom modification of phonon dispersion curves which suggest new ways to decrease thermal conductivity and reduce the materials constraint between good electrical properties and low thermal conductivity. Finally, I present my findings on thermoelectric type I clathrates, examining cage buckling and the consequences this has on transport measurements. These studies on various materials all illustrate that small variations in the local structure from diffraction averages can greatly influence the electrical and thermal conductivities. Ultimately more efficient devices will be generated by utilizing these principals.
Thermoelectric materials permit the direct conversion of temperature differences into electric energy, and vice versa. They are therefore of highest technological interest in applications such as solid state coolers, waste heat recovery, sensors and detectors, and power generators including remote power generation. Thermoelectric materials are often called “environmentally green”, and for good reasons. Not only can they help generate electrical energy from waste gases as they are generated in such processes as home heating, industrial fabrication and automotive motion. In cooling applications they eliminate the use of chemical refrigerant gases. Moreover, as thermoelectric conversion devices have no moving parts, they operate silently and have a very long life expectancy. The only current drawback of these devices is their poor efficiency. Scientists all over the world are therefore studying the structural, thermoelectric, charge-density and magnetic properties of the most promising types of these materials at the atomic and electronic level. In addition to providing an introduction to the field, the main objective of this book is to present the results of the growth and structural characterization of thermoelectric materials that are of high current interest; including Mg2Si, PbTe, Bi1-xSbx, Bi2Te3, Sb2Te3, Sn1-xGexTe and InSb.
Ten years ago, D.M. Rowe introduced the bestselling CRC Handbook of Thermoelectrics to wide acclaim. Since then, increasing environmental concerns, desire for long-life electrical power sources, and continued progress in miniaturization of electronics has led to a substantial increase in research activity involving thermoelectrics. Reflecting the latest trends and developments, the Thermoelectrics Handbook: Macro to Nano is an extension of the earlier work and covers the entire range of thermoelectrics disciplines. Serving as a convenient reference as well as a thorough introduction to thermoelectrics, this book includes contributions from 99 leading authorities from around the world. Its coverage spans from general principles and theoretical concepts to material preparation and measurements; thermoelectric materials; thermoelements, modules, and devices; and thermoelectric systems and applications. Reflecting the enormous impact of nanotechnology on the field-as the thermoelectric properties of nanostructured materials far surpass the performance of conventional materials-each section progresses systematically from macro-scale to micro/nano-scale topics. In addition, the book contains an appendix listing major manufacturers and suppliers of thermoelectric modules. There is no longer any need to spend hours plodding through the journal literature for information. The Thermoelectrics Handbook: Macro to Nano offers a timely, comprehensive treatment of all areas of thermoelectrics in a single, unified reference.
Thermoelectric devices convert a heat flux directly into electrical power. They afford opportunities to achieve efficiency savings in a variety of applications, through the conversion of otherwise waste heat into useful electrical energy. Operated in reverse mode, they provide effective thermal management in areas ranging from cooling of electronic components to battery conditioning in electric vehicles. Implementation of thermoelectric technology requires materials with improved performance and stability, containing readily-available and inexpensive elements. A range of thermoelectric materials for use in different temperature regimes has emerged. Knowledge of the complex relationship between composition, structure and physical properties is central to understanding the performance of these advanced materials. This book provides both an introduction to the field of thermoelectrics and a survey of the state-of-the-art. Chapters review the important new families of advanced materials that have emerged and taken the field beyond traditional thermoelectric materials such as Bi2Te3, PbTe and SiGe. The emphasis is on the relationship between chemical composition, structure over a range of length scales and the physical properties that underlie performance. Edited by a leader in the field, and with contributions from global experts, Inorganic Thermoelectric Materials serves as an introduction to thermoelectric materials and is accessible to advanced undergraduates and postgraduates, as well as experienced researchers
Power generation from environmentally friendly sources has led to surging interest in thermoelectrics. There has been a move toward alternative thermoelectric materials with enhanced performance through materials and structures that utilize common and safer elements and alternative mechanistic approaches while increasing processing latitude and decreasing cost. This wide-ranging volume examines this progress and future prospects with the new technologies, ease of processing and cost as major considerations, and will benefit active researchers, students and others interested in cutting-edge work in thermoelectric materials. Innovative Thermoelectric Materials incorporates the contributions of a group of recognized experts in thermoelectric materials, many of whom were the first to introduce various materials systems into thermoelectric systems. The perspectives brought to this evolving subject will provide important insights on which those developing the field can build, and will inspire new research directions for the future.
This volume: Chemistry, Physics and Materials Science of Thermoelectric Materials: Beyond Bismuth Telluride contains a series of topical articles that were presented as invited lectures by prominent leaders in this field at a workshop held in Traverse City, Michigan in the summer of 2002. These articles place the state of the art, regarding design principles, candidate materials and systems and current advances in context and should serve as a useful source of insights into this field for both beginning students and practitioners alike.
Introduction to Thermoelectricity is the latest work by Professor Julian Goldsmid drawing on his 55 years experience in the field. The theory of the thermoelectric and related phenomena is presented in sufficient detail to enable researchers to understand their observations and develop improved thermoelectric materials. The methods for the selection of materials and their improvement are discussed. Thermoelectric materials for use in refrigeration and electrical generation are reviewed. Experimental techniques for the measurement of properties and for the production of thermoelements are described. Special emphasis is placed on nanotechnology which promises to yield great improvements in the efficiency of thermoelectric devices. Chapters are also devoted to transverse thermoelectric effects and thermionic energy conversion, both techniques offering the promise of important applications in the future.