Detection of internal cracks and ultrasound characterization of nanostructured Bi2Te3-based thermoelectrics via acoustic microscopy

► We created nanostructured thermoelectric Bi-Sb-Te-family materials by high energy pre-treatment of the parent materials followed by high-pressure/high-temperature treatment. Acoustic microscopy was used to measure local values of ultrasonic velocities and to visualize bulk microstructure and internal cracks of a specimen. Elastic moduli were calculated too. Structural investigations were also performed. The data has been used for optimization of parameters of synthesis of nanostructured thermoelectrics.