Investigation of nano ceramics added bismuth antimony telluride for energy harvesting applications

Thermo-electrics are promising technologies to convert excess heat source into electricity. The semiconductor based thermo-electric materials are exceptionally investigated especially in the recent decades. Moreover, Nano structuring is the promising technique to increase the performance of thermo-electric materials. Among the Thermo-electric materials, Bismuth Telluride (BT) is the well-known materials particularly for low temperature applications. In this research work, Bismuth Antimony Telluride (BAT) Nano composites prepared through using Mechano-Chemical synthesis method using Bismuth, Tellurium, and Antimony as Source material. Bismuth trioxide, Antimony dichloride, and Tellurium dioxide were used as metal precursors. Hydrogen reduction treatment was applied to the composites to decrease excess oxygen contents. The alumina nanoparticles and silicon carbide nanoparticles were made by Sol-Gel method and Mechano-chemical method using planetary ball milling method. The synthesized alumina and silicon carbide nanoparticles are mixed with BAT composite as Nano inclusions. The compositional, structural and morphological properties of Silicon Carbide added through BAT materials were analyzed. The Seebeck coefficient of 0.45% Silicon carbide added BAT nanostructure and 0.45% Alumina added BAT nanostructure was studied as per a function of temperature. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.