Development of (Bi,Sb)2(Te,Se)3-Based Thermoelectric Modules by a Screen-Printing Process

In major applications, optimal power will be achieved when thermoelectric films are at least 100 mu m thick. In this paper we demonstrate that screen-printing is an ideal method to deposit around 100 mu m of (Bi,Sb)(2)(Te,Se)(3)-based films on a rigid or flexible substrate with high Seebeck coefficient value (90 mu V K-1 to 160 mu V K-1) using a low-temperature process. Conductive films have been obtained after laser annealing and led to acceptable thermoelectric performance with a power factor of 0.06 mu W K-2 cm(-1). While these initial material properties are not at the level of bulk materials, the complete manufacturing process is cost-effective, compatible with large surfaces, and affords a mass-production technique.