Effects of hot pressing on electric performances of Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3

The effects of hot pressing on electric performance and mechanical strength of Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 thermoelectric material prepared through vacuum melting and milling were studied. The phase constituent and microstructure were analyzed by X-ray Diffraction and cold field emission Scanning Electric Microscope. Aeolotropisms of the material on microstructure and electric performances are approved. With the rise of hot pressing temperature (from 300 - 500 °C) and pressure (30 - 70 MPa), electric conductivity and power factor are improved. Moreover, Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 material can gain ideal thermoelectric performances and increased mechanical strength by hot pressing.