Thermoelectric materials having porosity

US8795545B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• ZT Plus · US
• OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · US

Inventors

• Joseph P. Heremans · Troy, US
• Christopher M. Jaworski · Columbus, US
• Vladimir Jovovic · Pasadena, US
• Fred Harris · Duncanville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 30, 2012
• Grant date: Aug 5, 2014
• Expiry date: Sep 26, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C04B2235/77
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A thermoelectric material and a method of making a thermoelectric material are provided. In certain embodiments, the thermoelectric material comprises at least 10 volume percent porosity. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric material has a zT greater than about 1.2 at a temperature of about 375 K. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric material comprises a topological thermoelectric material. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric material comprises a general composition of (Bi1-xSbx)u(Te1-ySey)w, wherein 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, 1.8≦u≦2.2, 2.8≦w≦3.2. In further embodiments, the thermoelectric material includes a compound having at least one group IV element and at least one group VI element. In certain embodiments, the method includes providing a powder comprising a thermoelectric composition, pressing the powder, and sintering the powder to form the thermoelectric material.