Thermoelectric properties of semi-conducting compound Zn4Sb3

Hot-pressed samples of the semi-conducting compound Zn4Sb3 with the stoichiometric composition were prepared and characterized by X-ray and microprobe analysis. Thermoelectric characterization was done through measurements of the electrical and thermal conductivities as well as the Seebeck coefficient between room temperature and 650 K. All samples had p-type conductivity. High thermoelectric figures of merit (ZT) were obtained between 450 and 650 K and a maximum of about 1.3 were obtained at a temperature of 650 K.