Synthesis and Thermoelectric Properties of Partially Filled Skutterudite LayCo4-xFexSb12 versus Unfilled Co4-xFexSb12

Partially filled Skutterudite compounds LayCo4-xFexSb12 (x≤1, y≤1) were synthesized via mechanical alloying-hot pressing-annealing process and the thermoelectric properties of LayCo3.5Fe0.5Sb12 were investigated with comparison of unfilled Co3.5Fe0.5Sb12 It is found that La filling makes the thermal conductivity decrease dramatically and power factor decrease simultaneously, yielding a small increase of ZT values. To enhance ZT values, the electrical property has to be optimized.