Thermoelectric properties of PbTe1−xSex alloys prepared by high pressure

N-type thermoelectric alloys PbTe1−xSex were prepared by high pressure technique and the composition-dependent thermoelectric properties were studied at room temperature. The measurement results indicate that the electrical properties could be tuned effectively through chemical partial substitution of Se with Te. Thermal conductivity of PbTe was depressed largely by alloying with PbSe. The maximum figure of merit, Z=1.04×10−1 K−1, was obtained for the sample of PbTe0.75Se0.25, which is about two times higher than that of unalloyed PbTe. These results indicate that alloying with PbSe under high pressure provides a viable and controllable way of tuning the thermoelectric properties for PbTe.

► Thermoelectric materials PbTe1−xSex were successfully prepared by high pressure.
► The electrical properties of PbTe can be tuned effectively by alloying with PbSe.
► The thermal conductivity of PbTe was depressed largely by alloying with PbSe.