Thermoelectric materials and devices made therewith

US4491679A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. · US

Inventor

• Diane Moore · Suwanee, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 21, 1983
• Grant date: Jan 1, 1985
• Expiry date: Jul 21, 2003

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10N10/852

Abstract

The disclosed invention includes improved devices and materials for thermoelectric conversion, particularly for operation at temperatures of 300.degree. C. and below. Disordered p-type semiconductor elements incorporate compound adjuvants of silver and lead to achieve enhanced "figure of merit" values and corresponding increased efficiencies of thermoelectric conversion. Similar results are obtained with disordered n-type elements by employing lowered selenium contents, preferably in combination with cuprous bromide. Improved conversion devices include powder pressed elements from one or both of these materials.