Abstract
In this study efforts have been made to optimize the electronic properties such as the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of Ag1−yPb18Sb1+zTe20 (lead-antimony-silver-tellurium, LAST-18) compounds by systematically varying the Ag and Sb compositions with constant Pb/Te ratio. It was found that increasing the content of Sb relative to Ag raised the charge carrier density (n) and thereby the electrical conductivity and power factor. The results indicate that, for deficient Ag, the excess trivalent Sb atoms occupy divalent Pb sites in the unit cell, increasing the value of n in the system. It was established that the Seebeck coefficient decreases with increasing n, indicating a dominant acoustic phonon scattering mechanism in the current alloys. The results demonstrate that the interaction between Ag and Sb atoms plays a major role in determining the electronic properties in the current Ag1−yPb18Sb1+zTe20 compounds.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
