Synthesis of Zintl Phase Metal Silicide Thermoelectric Materials in Magnesium/Zinc Flux.

Zintl phases have potential applications as thermoelectric materials for power generation and cooling owing to their complex crystal structures and unique electronic properties. We carried out reactions of silicon with barium and strontium in excess Mg/Zn flux to synthesize (Ba/Sr)MgSi Zintl phases, investigating the effect of varying Ba/Sr ratio on site mixing and thermoelectric properties. (Ba/Sr)MgSi compounds with 0 < < 3 are charge-balanced Zintl phases which adopt the hexagonal HoNiP structure type (space group 6̅2).

Effect of Ni Doping on the Thermoelectric Properties of YbCoZn.

Thermoelectric devices are both solid-state heat pumps and energy generators. Having a reversible process without moving parts is of high importance for applications in remote locations or under extreme conditions. Yet, most thermoelectric devices have a rather limited energy conversion efficiency due to the natural competition between high electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity, both being essential conditions for achieving a high energy conversion efficiency.