The impact of synthesis pressure on the thermoelectric properties of CoSb3

A novel chemical alloying method of high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) has been used for the synthesis of bulk-skutterudite CoSb3. Through this method, the processing time can be reduced from a few days to half an hour. The Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity of CoSb3 were all measured in the temperature range of 327–661 K. The Seebeck coefficient of CoSb3 increased with increasing synthesis pressure; a substantial reduction in the thermal conductivity was observed with increasing synthesis pressure. These results indicated that the HPHT technique may be helpful for optimizing electrical and thermal transports in a relatively independent way.

► Skutterudite compounds CoSb3 have been prepared by HPHT method.
► Processing time can be reduced from a few days to half an hour.
► The Seebeck coefficients of CoSb3 samples increased with the increase of synthesis pressure.
► Thermal conductivity of CoSb3 samples decreased with the increase of synthesis pressure.