Thermoelectric properties of hot-pressed Zn4Sb3-xTex

A series of samples have been fabricated through vacuum melting method followed by hot-pressing for Zn4Sb3-xTex (x = 0.02-0.08), XRD patterns indicated that all the samples were single-phased beta-Zn4Sb3. Electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient were evaluated in the temperature range of 300-700 K, showing p-type conduction. The thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) was increased with the increase of Te content. ZT values of 0.8 and 1.0 were obtained at 673 K for Zn4.08Sb3 and Zn4Sb2.92Te0.08, respectively. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.