Processing method dependency of thermoelectric properties of Bi85Sb15 alloys in low temperature

This study was focused on the investigation of the transport properties of Bi85Sb15 alloys prepared by three different methods. Bulk samples were prepared by a novel mechanical alloying and high pressing methods. By comparison, hot-pressing and melting samples were prepared, respectively. Techniques of SEM, TEM, were used to characterize the morphology, composition of alloys. Electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity were measured in the temperature range of 80–300 K. The influence of the different methods on thermoelectric properties was presented. The thermoelectric properties were calculated and compared with those of single crystals presented in previous studies.