Effects of mechanical milling on preparation and properties of CuAl1-xFexO2 thermoelectric ceramics

CuAl1-xFexO2 (x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2) thermoelectric ceramics produced by a reaction-sintering process were investigated. Pure CuAlO2 and CuAl0.9Fe0.1O2 were obtained. Minor CuAl2O4 phase formed in CuAl0.8Fe0.2O2. Addition of 10 mol% Fe lowered the sintering temperature obviously and enhanced the grain growth. At x = 0.1, electrical conductivity = 3.143 Omega(-1) cm(-1), Seebeck coefficient = 418 mu V K-1, and power factor = 5.49 x 10(-5) W m(-1) K-2 at 600 degrees C were obtained. The reaction-sintering process is simple and effective in preparing CuAlO2 and CuAl0.9Fe0.1O2 thermoelectric ceramics for applications at high temperatures. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.