Microstructure and thermoelectric properties of p-type Mg2Sn prepared by RF induction melting

Abstract

Silver-doped Mg2Sn bulk crystals were prepared by RF induction melting in a boron nitride crucible under 1 atm Argon. The microstructure of the ingots was analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The Hall coefficient, Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity were measured in the temperature range of 80-700 K to establish a correlation between the composition, microstructure and thermoelectric properties. The whole process of preparing one ingot needed only 5 hours, and the thermoelectric properties are very similar to those of the near-singlecrystal ingots prepared by the Bridgman method requiring 100 hours.