Discipline: Physics
Subcategory: Materials Science
Session: 1
Room: Park Tower 8216
Eshirdanya Mcghee - Alabama A&M University
Co-Author(s): Satilmis Budak, Alabama A&M University
The efficiency of the thermoelectric materials (figure of merit, ZT) that found to be limited in bulk structures has shown an enhancement by introducing nanostructures such as nanowires, multilayers, and nanocomposites. ZT relies on the Seebeck coefficient (S), the electrical conductivity (?) and thermal conductivity (K). Nanostructure thin films have shown enhancement in ZT then bulk thermoelectric materials. DC/RF magnetron sputtering technique was utilized to fabricate nano-scale thin films of antimony telluride (Sb2Te3) on SiO2 substrates using Sb2Te3 target. Thermal annealing was carried out to enhance thermoelectric efficiency by forming quantum structures within the films. The Seebeck coefficient, van der Pauw four-probe resistivity, mobility, Hall coefficient, density, measurements were performed, and power factor has been found to be improved in nano-scale thin films by thermal annealing. Thermal treatment showed positive effects on the thermoelectric properties of Sb2Te3 thin films on the selected temperatures. The findings will be shown during the meeting.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF-HBCU-RISE
Faculty Advisor: Satilmis Budak, satilmis.budak@aamu.edu
Role: measurements