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Use of Quantum-Well Superlattices to Obtain a High Figure of Merit from Nonconventional Thermoelectric Materials

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 February 2011

L. D. Hicks  and
M. S. Dresselhaus
L. D. Hicks
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
M. S. Dresselhaus
Affiliation:
Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
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Abstract

Currently, the materials with the highest thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) are one-band materials. The presence of both electrons and holes lowers ZT, so two-band materials such as semimetals are not useful thermoelectric materials. However, by preparing these materials in the form of two-dimensional quantum-well superlattices, it is possible to separate the two bands and transform the material to an effectively one-carrier system. We have investigated theoretically the effect of such an approach and our results indicate that a significant increase in ZT may be achieved. We have also evaluated the possibility of using intercalation as a means to achieve an increase in ZT. Our results allow the possibility of using new types of materials as thermoelectric refrigeration elements.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 326: Symposium M – Growth, Processing, and Characterization of Semiconductor Heterostructures , 1993 , 413
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1994

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