Thermoelectric device utilizing nanoporous material
First Claim
1. In a thermoelectric device, a semiconductor utilized as the n- and p- legs of a peltier couple, comprising:
- a nanoporous structure whereby lattice thermal conductivity is greatly reduced, due to enhanced phonon scattering on the order of 10 W/cm·
°
K.
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Abstract
A nanoporous semiconductor material and fabrication technique for use as thermoelectric elements. Starting precursors are mixed in solution so as to thoroughly dissolve in solution which is then reduced. A second phase may be added in solution to provide nanoinclusions which may be subsequently removed. A nanoporous semiconductor is formed whereby lattice thermal conductivity is greatly reduced, due to enhanced phonon scattering on the order of 10 W/cm·°K. The nanoporous semiconductor material may be used as the n- and p- legs in a Peltier couple utilized for a thermoelectric cooler, a cryogenic cooler, thermoelectric power generator, or a thermoelectric heat pump.
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Citations
2 Claims
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1. In a thermoelectric device, a semiconductor utilized as the n- and p- legs of a peltier couple, comprising:
a nanoporous structure whereby lattice thermal conductivity is greatly reduced, due to enhanced phonon scattering on the order of 10 W/cm·
°
K.- View Dependent Claims (2)
Specification