Microstructure and thermoelectric properties of Sn-doped Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 thin films deposited by flash evaporation method

(Bi1-xSnx)(2)Te2.7Se0.3 thermoelectric thin films with thickness of 800 nm have been deposited on glass substrates by flash evaporation method at 473 K. The structures, morphology of the thin films were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy respectively. Effects of Sn-doping concentration on thermoelectric properties of the annealed thin films were investigated by room-temperature measurement of Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity. The thermoelectric power factor was enhanced to 12.8 mu W/cmK(2) (x=0.003). From x=0.004 to 0.01 Sn doping concentration, the Seebeck coefficients are positive and show p-type conduction. The Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity gradually decrease with increasing Sn doping concentration. Crown Copyright (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.