Thermoelectric properties of a Pb0.2Sn0.8Te solid solution prepared through thermal decomposition of salts

Abstract

We have studied the thermoelectric properties of microcrystalline samples of the Pb0.2Sn0.8Te solid solution prepared by hot-pressing fine powders obtained through the thermal decomposition of lead acetate trihydrate and tin oxalate in the presence of tellurium powder. The electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity of the samples have been measured at room temperature and in the temperature range 300–700 K and correlated with the particle size of the powders and heat-treatment conditions. We have compared the thermoelectric properties of hot-pressed samples from powders prepared through the thermal decomposition of salts and by mechanical grinding of ingots.