Electronic Topological Transition as a Route to Improve Thermoelectric Performance in Bi Sb Te.

The electronic structure near the Fermi surface determines the electrical properties of the materials, which can be effectively tuned by external pressure. Bi Sb Te is a p-type thermoelectric material which holds the record high figure of merit at room temperature. Here it is examined whether the figure of merit of this model system can be further enhanced through some external parameter.

Synthesis of biomimetic poly[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorycholine]-coated magnetite nanoparticles via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization.

Modification of magnetite nanoparticles with biomimetic poly[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorycholine] (poly(MPC)) via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was carried out. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and zeta potential studies indicated that well defined poly (MPC) was successfully grafted on the surface of magnetite nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction results showed the structure of magnetite nanoparticles after surface modification was not changed.