An Electrical Contacts Study for Tetrahedrite-Based Thermoelectric Generators.

High electrical and thermal contact resistances can ruin a thermoelectric device's performance, and thus, the use of effective diffusion barriers and optimization of joining methods are crucial to implement them. In this work, the use of carbon as a CuMnSbS tetrahedrite diffusion barrier, and the effectiveness of different fixation techniques for the preparation of tetrahedrite/copper electrical contacts were investigated. Contacts were prepared using as jointing materials Ni and Ag conductive paints and resins, and a Zn-5wt% Al solder.