Thermoelectric Properties of Ag2Te

Abstract

The Seebeck coefficient α, electrical conductivity σ, and thermal conductivity K data are given for a number of Ag₂Te specimens measured at room temperature. The maximum value observed for the figure of merit α²σ/K was 1.3×10⁻³°C⁻¹. The relationship between K and σ was linear, and K_el could be expressed approximately by (π²/3) (k/e)²σT. K_ph was found to be 0.72×10⁻² w cm⁻¹°C⁻¹. There was no evidence of an ambipolar diffusion contribution to K. It is suggested that the small energy gap (0.02 ev) previously determined in this compound could account for the absence of a measurable ambipolar diffusion effect, the degeneracylike behavior of K_el, and the relatively low values of the Seebeck coefficient.