Thermoelectric properties of LaFeAsO1-y at low temperature

We have studied the thermoelectric properties of LaFeAsO1-y in the temperature range 10-300 K. The resistivity decreases with carrier doping induced by oxygen deficiency up to y=0.16. On the other hand, the Seebeck coefficient shows a maximum absolute value at a finite doping level. The power factor (PF) and the dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) in y=0.16 are PF=4.1 mW m(-1) K-2 at T=75 K and ZT=0.061 at T=125 K. The results indicate that iron pnictides have potential as a good low temperature thermoelectric material. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3466990]