Electrical polarization effect on Bi2Ca2Co 1.7Ox thermoelectrics grown by laser floating zone

Abstract

Thermoelectric ceramic materials for practical applications must present high thermopower and relatively low electrical resistivity along with high chemical stability at high temperatures. These properties can be found in thermoelectric ceramics, for example in misfit cobaltites. These materials possess a high crystallographic anisotropy which is reflected on their thermoelectric properties. Therefore, controlling their grains orientation is mandatory in order to achieve better performance for practical applications. In this perspective, texturing methods can play an important role for enhancing the final properties of the bulk materials. © Microscopy Society of America 2012.