Thermoelectric properties of skutterudites FexNiyCo1−x−ySb3 (x = y)

Thermoelectric properties of skutterudites FexNiyCo1−x−ySb3 (x = y = 0, 0.125, 0.25, 033, 0.375) have been reported. FexNiyCo1−x−ySb3 compounds were synthesized by direct reactions between the elements. Both p-type and n-type thermoelectric materials can be obtained in FexNiyCo1−x−ySb3 system. The electrical conductivity measurements showed typical semiconductor behavior. The values of thermal conductivity at room temperature were substantially reduced from 9 to 3 W m−1 K−1 by the substitution of Fe and Ni for Co in CoSb3. The highest figure of merit (ZT) of 0.16 is obtained for Fe0.375Ni0.375Co0.25Sb3 at 610 K.