Effect of Zn addition on thermoelectric properties of Zn4Sb3 synthesized by direct hot pressing

Powder metallurgy was used to produce polycrystalline specimens of single phase ε-Zn₄Sb₃ and two-phase specimens of ε-Zn₄Sb₃ (majority phase) and Zn. The effect of excess Zn addition to the stoichiometry of Zn₄Sb₃ was investigated on the thermoelectric properties as well as mechanical properties in the alloy system. The room-temperature thermoelectric properties of our single phase Zn₄Sb₃ alloys are comparable to those reported by other researchers on samples prepared by hot pressing of ingot melted alloy powders. It is shown that the addition of Zn enhances the mechanical properties while sacrificing the thermoelectric properties.