The synthesis of n-type and p-type ZnSb compositions for thermoelectric applications

Abstract

A two-step quenching schedule was applied for the synthesis of polycrystalline n- and p-type thermoelectric ZnSb. The charge, up to 500 g in weigh, contained in a sealed quartz capsule, was melted and solidified after switching the furnace off by a preliminary quenching in water. Then the capsule was put back in the furnace and cooled in it to the temperature of 700 K; next, the second quenching to the room temperature in water was made. The material showing the resistivity of 1-5 mΩ⋅cm and the thermopower of 175 μV/°C was reproducibly obtained.