Convergence of Conduction Bands as a Means of Enhancing Thermoelectric Performance of n -Type Mg 2 Si 1 − x Sn x Solid Solutions
Wuhan University of Technology · Wuhan University · +1 more institution
Abstract
Mg(2)Si and Mg(2)Sn are indirect band gap semiconductors with two low-lying conduction bands (the lower mass and higher mass bands) that have their respective band edges reversed in the two compounds. Consequently, for some composition x, Mg(2)Si(1-x)Sn(x) solid solutions must display a convergence in energy of the two conduction bands. Since Mg(2)Si(1-x)Sn(x) solid solutions are among the most prospective of the novel thermoelectric materials, we aim on exploring the influence of such a band convergence (valley degeneracy) on the Seebeck coefficient and thermoelectric properties in a series of Mg(2)Si(1-x)Sn(x) solid solutions uniformly doped with Sb. Transport measurements carried out from 4 to 800 K reveal…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 25.37
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 35
Authors
8Topics & keywords
- Seebeck coefficient
- Thermoelectric effect
- Figure of merit
- Materials science
- Effective mass (spring–mass system)
- Thermoelectric materials
- Condensed matter physics
- Degeneracy (biology)