Field-assisted sintering of low-temperature thermoelectric material BiTeSe - sintering process and part characterisation

Abstract

Field-Assisted Sintering Technology (FAST), an advanced consolidation technique, was employed to synthesise low-temperature thermoelectric n-type Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 for energy harvesting applications. A systematic investigation of sintering parameters, including pressure, temperature, holding time, and heating rates, was conducted to optimise the material’s properties. Post-sintering characterisation encompassed measurements of relative density, thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, and Seebeck coefficient. Factor analysis revealed the hierarchical influence of sintering variables, with temperature emerging as the most critical parameter, followed by pressure and holding time. The study successfully identified optimal FAST sintering conditions for Bi2Te2.7Se0.3, resulting in enhanced thermoelectric properties. This research demonstrates the efficacy of FAST in producing high-quality, low-temperature thermoelectric materials and provides valuable insights into the relationship between processing parameters and material performance.