Investigating the potential of AgZnO thin film composites for waste heat recovery using Seebeck data

In this paper, we have demonstrated the thermoelectric properties of Silver Zinc oxide (AgZnO) composite grown by thermal evaporation method. A mixture of Silver and Zinc powders with 1:4 ratio was evaporated on silicon substrate using a vacuum tube furnace. The grown composites were subjected to post growth annealing process at various temperatures ranging from 500 to 800 C in a programmable muffle furnace. XRD data proved that the crystallinity of the annealed samples was improved because more and more oxygen atoms were able to fill the oxygen vacancy type defects in the host crystal of AgZnO. The observed structural behavior was also verified by Raman spectroscopy measurements. Seebeck measurements revealed a remarkable enhancement in the values of Seebeck coefficient (303-711 mu V/C) and electrical conductivity (17-176 S/cm) with annealing temperature. The high annealing temperature may cause an enhancement in the mobility of Ag atoms which resulted in the increase of Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity simultaneously.

Automated summary

In this study, the thermoelectric properties of Silver Zinc oxide (AgZnO) composites were demonstrated. The composites were grown by thermal evaporation method and subjected to post growth annealing process. XRD data showed improved crystallinity in the annealed samples. Raman spectroscopy measurements confirmed the observed structural behavior. Seebeck measurements revealed enhanced Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity with annealing temperature.