Size and temperature dependent ultrasonic properties of thermoelectric nanowires

• We calculated the temperature dependent nonlinear elastic constants of PbTe NWs.
• Ultrasonic attenuation in PbTe NWs is different than in bulk.
• Interaction of acoustical and thermal phonons is diameter dependent in PbTe NWs.
• Data are significant for the development of PbTe NWs for industrial application.

Hicks and Dresselhauss proposed that conversion of bulk materials into low dimensional size might significantly enhance thermoelectric performance. PbTe nanowires have been suggested as promising thermoelectric materials. In the present paper, nonlinear second and third order elastic constants (SOECs/TOECs) for PbTe nanowires (NWs) are calculated using a simple interaction potential model. Finally, the temperature dependent ultrasonic attenuation is determined for different diameters of the PbTe NWs. Good correlation between the size and temperature dependent thermophysical properties and the ultrasonic attenuation has been established. The studies are important for the development of NWs for energy and thermoelectric cooling applications.