Publication Type
Journal
Journal Name
Applied Physics Letters
Publication Date
Page Number
221907
Volume
103
Issue
22
Abstract
Since many thermoelectrics are brittle in nature with low mechanical strength, improving their mechanical properties is important in fabrication of devices such as thermoelectric power generators and coolers. In this work, multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated into polycrystalline Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 through powder processing, which increased the flexural strength from 32 MPa to 90 MPa. Electrical and thermal conductivities were both reduced in the CNT containing materials, leading to unchanged figure of merit. Dynamic Young’s modulus and shear modulus of the composites were lower than the base material, which is likely related to the grain boundary scattering due to the CNTs.
