Thermoelectric Materials for energy power supply on a Lunar base: Synthesis and optimization of MgAgSb for low temperature thermoelectric generators

Abstract

Thermoelectric generators are the future of generation of electrical power, especially in the aerospace field. The main materials composing the state-of-the-art devices, such as tellurium and bismuth, are very rare and potentially dangerous for human health. Hence, a promising new thermoelectric based on magnesium, silver and antimony with applications between 300°C and room temperature and a maximum zT around 1.3 at 250°C, could be a good base for the next generation of thermoelectric generators. MgAgSb is known for its sensitivity on synthesis conditions, with a low tolerance of its thermoelectric properties on secondary phases. In this study, the impact of MgAg homogeneity on the thermoelectric properties and a precise way to characterize magnesium and silver content in the material has been researched. The MgAgSb homogeneity on the thermoelectric properties have been studied. Then the reproducibility of the MgAgSb synthesis route has been studied.