Enhanced thermoelectric properties of n-type CoSb3-based composites by incorporating In particles

Thermoelectric devices that consist of N-and P-type TE legs in series have been well known and applied owing to the ability that could convert waste heat into electric energy. Among them, skutterudite materials have been frequently studied as the main object because they are environmentally friendly and inexpensive. In this study, N-type CoSb3-based materials were synthesized using a low-temperature synthesis method and spark plasma sintering. Those thermoelectric matrix that incorporated Indium (In) particles were prepared via manual grinding method. The thermoelectric properties, microstructures, and morphologies of the pure and In-doped Co0.91Ni0.09Sb3 samples were systematically evaluated. A maximum power factor value of 3642.3 μW/mK2 was obtained at 723 K for a Co0.91Ni0.09Sb3/1 wt%In sample and the highest figure of merit value of 1.01 was attained for a Co0.91Ni0.09Sb3/2 wt%In sample. These results indicate that Indium particles as secondary phase can improve the thermoelectric performance of N-type CoSb3-based materials.