Effect of different surfactants on thermoelectric properties of CuS nanoparticles

Abstract

We report here the thermoelectric (TE) properties of CuS nanoparticles (NPs), synthesized by a facile polyol method using CTAB and PVP as surfactants. Systematic characterizations using powder XRD, Rietveld refinement of XRD and Raman spectroscopy confirm their single phase, hexagonal-closed structure with space group P6 3 /mmc and stoichiometric composition, respectively. The presence of surfactants during synthesis of CuS NPs seemingly prevents the volatility of S, making the capped samples a little S-rich and hence enhanced electrical conductivity and thermopower. Consequently, a significant improvement of more than 50% in thermoelectric power factor at 300 K is observed for CTAB and PVP capped CuS NPs as compared to pure one.