Thermoelectric properties of Pr3Rh4Sn13-type Yb3Co4Ge13 and Yb3Co4Sn13 compounds

Crystallographic data and thermoelectric properties (from 240 K up to 380 K) of Yb3Co4Ge13, Yb3Co4Sn13 compounds and Yb2CeCo4Ge13 and Yb2.3La0.7Co4Ge13 solid solutions are reported. The Seebeck coefficients, electric resistance and thermal conductivity increase monotonically with increasing temperature from 240 to 380 K for all the compounds. The Seebeck coefficient is S = 14 ÷ 27 μV/K for Yb3Co4Sn13, and S = −21 ÷ −12 μV/K for Yb3Co4Ge13. The substitution of Yb for cerium or lanthanum in Yb3Co4Ge13 shifts the Seebeck coefficient to positive values. The Yb3Co4Sn13 has a maximal ZT parameter from available Pr3Rh4Sn13-type compounds. The ZT parameter of Yb3Co4Sn13 compound increases from 0.006 up to 0.017 with increasing temperature from 240 to 380 K.

► Crystallographic data fort Yb3Co4Sn13 and Yb2CeCo4Ge13 compounds are reported. ► The Seebeck coefficients, electric resistance and thermal conductivity are presented. ► The substitution of Yb for Ce or La in Yb3Co4Ge13 shifts the Seeebeck coefficient to positive values. ► The ZT parameter of Yb3Co4Sn13 compound increases with T from 0.006 up to 0.017.