TFA – thermoelectric thin film – thermoelectric properties – semiconductor
Full ZT – Figure of Merit Characterization of a thermoelectric thin film PEDOT:PSS / Seebeck coefficient / electric conductivity / thermal conductivity
Thermoelectric materials play a crucial role in converting a temperature gradient into voltage within thermoelectric generators. The assessment of a thermoelectric material’s performance involves utilizing the figure of merit (ZT).
To calculate the figure of merit, it is essential to have information on thermal conductivity, electric conductivity, and the Seebeck coefficient.
Comparatively, thin layers exhibit lower thermal conductivities than their bulk counterparts with the same composition. However, the impact on electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient is less pronounced, leading to higher ZT values. An example of such materials is PEDOT:PSS, representative of organic conductors and thermoelectric materials.
In a recent study, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and the Seebeck coefficient were measured in the temperature range of 110 K to 350 K on a PEDOT:PSS film with a thickness of 15 µm, prepared through drop casting. The ZT was subsequently calculated based on these parameters, providing valuable insights into its thermoelectric performance.
Related instruments
TFA
TFA – Thin Film Analyzer – Latest generation Lab-on-a-Chip technique with complete figure of merit ZT-Characterization of Thin-Films from the nm to µm range from -170°C up to 280°C