Improving hardness and thermoelectric performance in pseudo-ternary thermoelectric alloys (Bi2Te3)(Bi2Se3)(Nd2Te3)

The solid solution of three elements Bi, Te and Se is known to be an appropriate n-type thermoelectric (TE) module. Although it shows high TE performance, it. suffers from low hardness. Neodymium (Nd) is an appropriate element that can be introduced into the solid solution to overcome this problem. The TE and microstructural properties dependence on the amount of Nd addition in different into Bi-2(Te1-xSex)(3) are studied. The mechanical durability of the (Bi2Te3)(Bi2Se3)(Nd2Te3) compounds had been evaluated as a function of Nd2Te3 content (0.0-0.4% mole), the solubility limit of 0.12% mole Nd2Te3 in Bi2Te2.88Se0.12 is obtained. The samples are characterized by phase formation and hardness measurements. The optimum figure of merit of 3.06 x 10(-3) K-1 at 300 K is obtained using 0.12% mole Nd2Te3, with the corresponding 2.5 kg.mm(-2) of hardness. Finally, vast studies of the TE parameters of defined compound in the temperature range of 300-500K are performed.