Thermoelectric properties of nano-meso-micro β-MnO2 powders as a function of electrical resistance

Abstract

Particle sizes of manganese oxide (β-MnO2) powders were modified by using a mortar and pestle ground method for period of times that varied between 15–60 min. Particle size versus ground time clearly shows the existence of a size-induced regime transition (i.e., regime I and II). Thermoelectric properties of β-MnO2 powders as a function of electrical resistance in the range of RP = 10 - 80Ω were measured. Based on the data presented, we propose a model for the β-MnO2 system in which nanometer-scale MnO2 crystallites bond together through weak van der Waals forces to form larger conglomerates that span in size from nanometer to micrometer scale.