Thermoelectric power of homovalent noble metal alloys. II. Gold-based alloys

Abstract

For pt.I see ibid., vol.4, p.256 (1974). Traces of iron dissolved in gold and in its homovalent alloys have been removed using a simple oxidation technique. This has enabled an accurate determination of the low temperature thermoelectric power characteristic of the solutes copper and silver in gold. Electron diffusion and phonon drag contributions are determined and discussed. The strongly positive diffusion thermoelectric powers of the alloys measured at low temperatures differ markedly from the apparent impurity effect determined from applying the Nordheim-Gorter rule to room temperature measurements of the alloys. Results for homovalent silver, copper and gold alloys are collected together.