Optimization and modulation for the moderate and high temperature thermoelectric properties of PbSe via solid solution with PbS synthesized by HPHT

Abstract

PbS synthesized at the same condition with PbSe exhibits an opposite electrical conduction type from it. Via the solid solution of PbS into PbSe, we attempt to change the major carries kind of PbSe-base materials and improve the thermoelectric (TE) property of synthesis samples in corresponding temperature areas. Introduction of high pressure into the synthesis stage could reduce the reactive activation energy and improve the synthesis efficiency. Characterizations via the electron microscopes demonstrate that synthesis samples are made of multiscale grains. Finally, characterizations on the thermoelectrical properties of [Formula: see text] demonstrate that the solid solution treatment could modulate the electrical conduction type and the figure of merit effectively.