Enhancement of thermoelectric power factor of zinc oxide by nickel and indium dual doping

Effect of structural and morphological deformation on the enhancement of thermoelectric properties of zinc oxide due to the dual substitution of indium and nickel was investigated. The doped materials resemble the hexagonal wurtzite structure of the host material, with increased crystallite size and strain, indicating the inclusion of the cations with larger radius. Reduction in the optical band gap energy from 3.1 eV to 2.20 eV is observed with a red shift in the absorption edge. The donor cations doped samples have high charge carrier density, resulting an increase in the transport properties. Highest electrical conductivity and seebeck coefficient were obtained for the doped samples leading to a hike in the power factor of 1427 mu W/mK(2). The thermal conductivity decreased with doping concentration, and highest figure of merit of 0.11 was obtained.

Automated summary

The effect of dual substitution of indium and nickel on the structural and morphological deformation of zinc oxide and its enhancement of thermoelectric properties were investigated. The doped materials showed a similar hexagonal wurtzite structure to the host material, with increased crystallite size and strain due to the inclusion of cations with larger radius. The optical band gap energy decreased, leading to higher charge carrier density and improved transport properties. The doped samples exhibited highest electrical conductivity and seebeck coefficient, resulting in an increased power factor, while the thermal conductivity decreased. The highest figure of merit obtained was 0.11.