Hot pressing and characterisation of iron disilicide thermoelectrics

Abstract

Semiconductor thermoelectric materials are promising candidates for various applications such as power generator, cooler, heat pump, and thermal sensor. In the present work, Al- and Co-doped FeSi₂ thermoelectrics were consolidated by hot pressing at different pressures. For the prepared materials, the phase, the microstructure, and the thermoelectric properties as a function of temperature were characterized. The relationship between the materials factors: density and doping elements, and the thermoelectric parameters: electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and the ratio of electrical conductivity to thermal conductivity, is presented. The results show how the performance of thermoelectric FeSi₂ could be affected by controlling materials compositions and processing conditions.