Abstract
Chalcogenides of column IV metals display in general favorable thermoelectric properties. The thermoelectric efficiency can be improved by reducing the thermal conductivity via nano-structuring. The latter can be achieved by taking advantage of the phase separation induced by a spinodal decomposition that takes place in the system. The temporal evolution of the microstructure as a function of aging is of interest because it can be used to control the long term thermoelectric efficiency. Various features of the microstructure are presented and discussed.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 10-12 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Metalurgia International |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 4 |
State | Published - 20 Apr 2011 |
Keywords
- Aging process
- Microstructure
- Thermoelectric compounds
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Mechanics of Materials
- Metals and Alloys
- Materials Chemistry