Thermoelectric properties of Nb-doped (Nd0.55Li0.36)TiO3bulk ceramics with superlattice structure

• Bulk ceramics with superlattice structure were prepared by a normal sintering method.
• Glass-like thermal behavior with a low thermal conductivity of ∼2 W/(m·K) was shown.
• Nb doping enhanced the electrical properties of the insulating (Nd0.55Li0.36)TiO3.
• A ZT value of 0.05 was achieved at 650 K in the 5 at%Nb-doped (Nd0.55Li0.36)TiO3.

We report the thermoelectric properties of Nb-doped (Nd0.55Li0.36)TiO3 bulk ceramics prepared by the conventional sintering method. Superlattice structure present throughout the crystalline grain was observed and a glass-like thermal conductivity (∼2 W/m·K) was obtained. The electrical properties of (Nd0.55Li0.36)TiO3 were improved due to the Ti-site-Nb-doping. The low solid solubility of Nb and the distortion of TiO6 octahedron impaired the electrical performance of Nb-doped (Nd0.55Li0.36)TiO3. The sample with 5 at%Nb gave the maximum ZT value of 0.05 at 650 K. This work is helpful for the design of novel oxide thermoelectric materials.

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