Thermoelectric materials based on tetrahedrite structure for thermoelectric devices
Thermoelectric materials based on tetrahedrite structures for thermoelectric devices and methods for producing thermoelectric materials and devices are disclosed.
1. A thermoelectric composition comprising Cu 12-x M x Sb 4-y As y S 13 , where M is Zn and 0<x<2, Fe and 0<x<1.5, or a combination thereof, and 0≤y<4.
2. The thermoelectric composition according to claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises Cu 12-x M x Sb 4 S 13 .
3. The thermoelectric composition according to claim 1 , wherein M is Zn and Fe.
4. The thermoelectric composition according to claim 1 , wherein M is Zn and 0<x<2.0.
5. The thermoelectric composition according to claim 1 , wherein M is Fe and 0<x<1.5.
6. A method of producing a thermoelectric composition comprising Cu 12-x M x Sb 4 S 13 where M is Zn and 0<x<2, Fe and 0<x<1.5, or a combination thereof, the method comprising:
preparing a stoichiometric mixture of Cu, Sb, S and at least one of Zn and Fe;
heating the mixture to a temperature of 650° C.;
cooling the mixture at a rate of 0.4° C./min;
ball milling the mixture to form a powder; and
hot pressing the powder to form a pellet comprising the thermoelectric composition.
7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein the pellet has a density of greater than 95%.
8. A thermoelectric composition comprising Cu 12-x M x Sb 4 S 13 , where M is Zn at a concentration of 0<x<1.5, at a concentration of 0.2<x<1, or a combination thereof.