Question about thermal conductivity in thermoelectrics

In summary, the phonon thermal conductivity is the main contributor to the total thermal conductivity in thermoelectric materials like bismuth telluride, even in compound semiconductors with high electrical conductivities.
  • #1
joebasqueo
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Does the phonon thermal conductivity account for a large part of the total thermal conductivity in thermoelectric materials like Bismuth Telluride?

As far as I know, the phonon conductivity is the largest contributor to the total thermal conductivity in semiconductors. Is this still true for compound semiconductors like bismuth telluride that have somewhat large electrical conductivities?
 
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  • #2
Yes, the phonon thermal conductivity still accounts for a large part of the total thermal conductivity in thermoelectric materials like bismuth telluride. This is because the phonon thermal conductivity is determined by the lattice vibrations and is independent of the electrical properties of the material.
 

1. What is thermal conductivity in thermoelectrics?

Thermal conductivity in thermoelectrics refers to the ability of a material to conduct heat. In the context of thermoelectrics, it is an important property that affects the efficiency of converting heat energy into electricity.

2. How does thermal conductivity affect the performance of thermoelectric materials?

The higher the thermal conductivity of a material, the more heat it can conduct, which can reduce the temperature gradient and decrease the efficiency of thermoelectric conversion. Therefore, materials with low thermal conductivity are preferred for thermoelectric applications.

3. What factors affect the thermal conductivity of thermoelectric materials?

The thermal conductivity of thermoelectric materials is influenced by factors such as the material's composition, structure, and temperature. Materials with a higher number of atoms and strong bonds tend to have lower thermal conductivity, while materials with a more disordered structure tend to have higher thermal conductivity.

4. Can thermal conductivity be improved in thermoelectric materials?

Yes, researchers are constantly working on improving the thermal conductivity of thermoelectric materials. This can be achieved through various methods such as optimizing the material's composition, nanostructuring the material, and introducing defects to disrupt heat flow.

5. How is thermal conductivity measured in thermoelectric materials?

Thermal conductivity is typically measured using a technique called the 3-omega method, which involves applying an alternating current to a thin film of the material and measuring the temperature difference between its two ends. This method is commonly used for thin films and small samples.

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