Thermoelectric properties of solid state reaction-prepared ZnO based alloys with various CuO doping in (CuO)x(ZnO)1-x

Thermoelectric (TE) materials based on ZnO and CuO materials in the form (CuO)(x)(ZnO)(1-x) were prepared via a solid state reaction method. The structure of the samples was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), where observed to be polycrystalline and monoclinic in structure. The nanostructure of the samples was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). By increasing CuO concentration, the surface morphologies of the samples were changed from a layered shape and well-packed structures to a uniform large grain distribution. Increases in CuO caused an increase in hole concentration (p) and electrical conductivity (sigma), whereas, a comparatively decrease in Seebeck coefficient (sigma). A higher power factor (S-2 sigma) of 12.92 mu W/mK(2) was obtained at about 575 K for a CuO0 center dot 75ZnO0.25 sample (x = 0.75).

Automated summary

Thermoelectric materials based on ZnO and CuO were prepared and analyzed. X-ray diffraction showed that the samples were polycrystalline and monoclinic in structure. Scanning electron microscopy characterized the nanostructure of the samples. Increasing CuO concentration changed the surface morphologies from layered to a uniform large grain distribution. CuO addition increased the hole concentration and electrical conductivity, while decreasing the Seebeck coefficient. The sample with CuO0.75ZnO0.25 composition showed the highest power factor of 12.92 mu W/mK(2) at around 575 K.