Abstract
Precipitates in bulk p-type thermoelectric materials, PbTe-SrTe and PbTe-PbS, are studied using three-dimensional (3-D) atom-probe tomography (APT). APT is capable of characterizing chemically materials in 3-D with subnano-scale spatial resolution on an atom-by-atom basis, which enables us to characterize secondary phases in the PbTe matrix as well as the dopant distributions at different imperfections. We demonstrate that APT provides accurate information about the compositions and morphologies of nanoprecipitates. In the PbTe-SrTe system, different morphology of precipitates is observed and the SrTe composition is confirmed. Also, segregation of Na dopants at mesoscale imperfections, dislocations and grain boundaries, and at matrix/precipitate interfaces is observed. In the PbTe-PbS system, PbS precipitates are observed. The PbS precipitates exhibit faceting, and have a morphology that depends on the bulk Na concentration. A predominance of {100} faceted precipitates is observed for 2 mol.% Na. Using 3-D APT, we demonstrate that Na segregation at matrix/precipitate interfaces is most likely responsible for the change in their morphologies, which occurs by reducing the interfacial free energy of {100} facets.
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.
