Thermoelectric device including an alloy of GeTe and AgSbTe as the P-type element
AssigneeTeledyne, Inc.
InventorsEmanuel Andrew Skrabek, Donald Smith Trimmer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Improved alloys suitable for thermoelectric applications and having the general formula: (AgSbTe.sub.2).sub.1.sub.-x + (GeTe).sub.x wherein x has a value of about 0.80 and 0.85, have been found to possess unexpectedly high thermoelectric properties such as efficiency index, as well as other improved physical properties.
Claims3
A thermoelectric device comprising a P-type element consisting essentially of an alloy of GeTe and AgSbTe.sub.2, containing both rhombohedral and face-centered cubic crystals and having a ZT value in excess of 1.3 at 750.degree.K, an N-type element formed of a compatible material, and a chemically and electrically compatible conductor shoe electrically connecting said P-type element to said N-type element, the respective amounts of said GeTe and AgSbTe.sub.2 present in said alloy being represented by the formula (AgSbTe.sub.2).sub.1.sub.-x + (GeTe).sub.x, wherein x is expressed in mol fraction and has values of about 0.80 and 0.85.
A P-type thermoelectric element containing an alloy consisting essentially of GeTe and AgSbTe.sub.2, containing both rhombohedral and face-centered cubic crystals and having a ZT value in excess of 1.3 at 750.degree.K, the respective amounts of said GeTe and AgSbTe.sub.2 present in said alloy being represented by the formula (AgSbTe.sub.2).sub.1.sub.-x + (GeTe).sub.x wherein x is expressed in mol fraction and has values of about 0.80 and 0.85.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.