Te-Embedded Nanocrystalline PbTe Thick Films: Structure and Thermoelectric Properties Relationship

The Te-embedded PbTe nanocrystallline thick films (i.e., 50 µm) were electrodeposited, where the fraction and average grain size of Te phases tuned by adjusting applied potential followed post thermal treatment. crystal boundary nano-inclusion in played critical roles their thermoelectric properties. film with around 100 nm showed lower energy barrier height (EB = 0.023 eV) than a few tens 0.11). Although decrease reduced Seebeck coefficient, however, it enhanced electrical conductivity, which resulted an increase power factor (PF). highest was 183 μw K−2 cm−1, achieved at eV.