International Journal of Physics | Vol. 3, No. 6, June 2012 | pp. 43–50
DOI: 10.46882/2012/IJP/000026
Research Article
Title: Synthesis and Thermoelectric Properties of Nanostructured Bismuth Telluride Thin Films via Electrochemical Deposition
Names of Authors: K. Y. Tanaka¹, R. M. Santos², A. L. Chevalier³
Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Materials Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan; ²Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil; ³Institut Néel, CNRS, Université Grenoble Alpes, F-38042 Grenoble, France
Abstract: Nanostructured thermoelectric materials provide a viable pathway for converting ambient waste heat directly into usable electrical energy. This study evaluates the structural morphology and thermoelectric performance metrics of nanostructured bismuth telluride (Bi²Te³) thin films. These films were successfully synthesized on silicon substrates using a controlled electrochemical deposition methodology. X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the presence of a single-phase rhombohedral crystal geometry with preferred orientation along the (015) lattice plane. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images demonstrate uniform grain size distributions centered tightly around 34 nm. The transport coefficients were meticulously measured across an operating temperature range spanning 300 K to 450 K. The optimal film configuration exhibited a high Seebeck coefficient value of -185 μV/K at 350 K. This combined with an electrical conductivity reading of 820 S/cm. The resulting maximum thermoelectric power factor reached 2.81 mW/(m*K²). This performance value represents a significant enhancement over bulk un-nanostructured equivalents. The enhancement is primarily attributed to increased quantum confinement effects and strong energy filtering mechanisms occurring at the grain boundaries. These outcomes highlight the practical viability of using scalable electrochemical routines to manufacture high-efficiency micro-thermoelectric generators.
Keywords: Thermoelectric materials; bismuth telluride; electrochemical deposition; thin films; Seebeck coefficient; power factor
Manuscript Timeline: Received: April 5, 2012; Revised: May 3, 2012; Accepted: May 19, 2012; Published: June 18, 2012
Citation: Tanaka, K. Y., Santos, R. M., & Chevalier, A. L. (2012). Synthesis and Thermoelectric Properties of Nanostructured Bismuth Telluride Thin Films via Electrochemical Deposition. International Journal of Physics, 3(6), 43–50.
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