Goldsmid H.J. Introduction to thermoelectricity

250 p., 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
The basic principles of thermoelectric devices have not changed over the years and the theory presented in the first few chapters will always be applicable as new materials are discovered. A review of existing thermoelectric materials is presented with a chapter devoted to bismuth telluride showing how improvements in its synthesis and composition have led to the present-day performance. It is not always appreciated that the behavior of a specific alloy is strongly dependent on the manner in which it is prepared and a chapter is devoted to the production of materials, the stress being on principles rather than on experimental detail. The assessment of the transport properties of thermoelectric materials presents special problems. The chapter on measurement techniques includes a discussion of the errors that can arise when th e so-called figure of merit is determined for non-uniform specimens. Indeed, I myself was led astray in the interpretation of experimental observations on polycrystalline samples of anisotropic material before I realized the extent of the problem. It is usual to make use of modules rather than simple thermocouples. There is an outline of the method of selecting commercial modules for any particular application and a discussion of the problems that arise from attempts to miniaturize the size of modules so as to economize on space and material. Throughout the book, I have tried to emphasize practical considerations. A full understanding of the behavior of nanostuctured thermoelectric materials requires the mastery of difficult theoretical concepts but it is hoped that the elementary treatment in this book will allow the reader to comprehend the basic principles. It is expected that the so-called bulk nanostructures will find their way into commercial production in the very near future.