title: Synthesis, crystal structure, and transport properties of Cu2.2Zn0.8SnSe4-xTex (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.4).
abstract: Quaternary chalcogenides, particular compounds with the stannite structure-type, are of interest for thermoelectrics applications however tellurium-containing compositions have not been extensively investigated. We report on the synthesis and high temperature thermoelectric properties of p-type stannites Cu2.2Zn0.8SnSe4-xTex (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4). The compositions for each specimen were confirmed with a combination of Rietveld refinement and elemental analysis. Hall measurements indicate that holes are the dominant charge carriers in these materials. The electrical resistivity shows little temperature dependence up to 500 K and then increases with increasing temperature. The thermal conductivity decreases with increasing temperature with no indication of increase at higher temperatures suggesting a minimal bipolar diffusion effect in the thermal conductivity although these materials possess relatively small band-gaps as compared to that of other stannite compositions. A maximum ZT value of 0.56 was obtained at 700 K for Cu2.2Zn0.8SnSe3.7Te0.3 due to a relatively high Seebeck coefficient and low thermal conductivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA. gnolas@usf.edu.
authors.forename: Yongkwan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Eckert
authors.forename: Hsin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Xiaoyu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zeng
authors.forename: Terry M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Tritt
authors.forename: George S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Nolas