A new method of synthesis for thermoelectric materials: HPHT

There is a widespread interest in searching for materials that are used to synthesize more efficient thermoelectric devices for cooling and power generation applications. We report on lead telluride (PbTe) compounds which have been synthesized by the high pressure and high temperature method. The thermoelectric properties in PbTe synthesized by high pressure and high temperature were strongly increased. A ZT value of 0.87 for PbTe measured at ambient temperature and pressure has been achieved in our experiment. This value is nearly 20 times larger than the reported values for PbTe synthesized at ambient pressure, and approximately equal to that of Bi2Te3. These results indicate that the technique of high pressure and high temperature is a useful tool to obtain materials of improved properties, and highly efficient thermoelectric materials may be expected.