Abstract
Modelling of the effects of materials’ microstructure on thermal transport is an essential tool for materials design, and is particularly relevant for thermoelectric (TE) materials converting heat into electrical energy. Precipitates dispersed in a TE matrix act as phonon-scattering centers, thereby reducing thermal conductivity. We introduce a practical approach to tailor a definite precipitate size distribution for a given TE matrix, and implement it for PbTe. We evaluate vibrational properties from first principles, and develop an expression for phonon relaxation time that considers both matrix vibrational properties and precipitate size distribution. This provides us with guidelines for optimizing thermal conductivity.
Highlights
Heat transport phenomena play significant roles in many technological applications [1]
-1 room temperature value of calculated lattice thermal conductivity, ca. 5 W·m 1·K, is in good agreement with such values reported in literature for similar conditions [22,32]
This difference can be associated with the variety of impurity levels prevailing at the PbTe-matrix for the experimentally investigated materials, whereas our room temperature value of calculated lattice thermal conductivity, ca. 5 W·m−1 ·K−1, is in good agreement with such values reported in literature for similar conditions [22,32]
Summary
Heat transport phenomena play significant roles in many technological applications [1]. Heat transport phenomena play critical roles, and are sensitive to the finest features in the materials’ microstructure, such as the presence of particles/second-phase precipitates, internal interfaces, dislocations, alloying elements, or any other point defects [2,3,4,5,6]. TE materials are able to convert heat flux into electrical current via the Seebeck effect, or vice versa, via the Peltier effect [7,8,9,10]. Such materials are, essential for electrical power generation from waste heat or for refrigeration by heat pumping [11].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
