Thermoelectric properties of Zn13−x Sb10 compounds at low temperatures

Structural, metallurgical and thermoelectric properties have been investigated below room temperature for Zn13−x Sb10 compounds prepared by a gradient freeze method with various starting compositions. The electron-probe microanalysis and the Rietveld analysis of the powder X-ray diffraction profiles indicate that the composition range of the β-phase is narrow irrespective of starting composition. A strong relation is found between the electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient. The dimensionless figure of merit in the β-phase takes a larger value in the ingots prepared with Zn-rich starting composition.