Thermoelectric properties of Zn4Sb3 prepared by mechanical alloying

Thermoelectric Zn₄Sb₃ bulk specimens were produced by mechanical alloying of elemental powders and consolidated by hot pressing. Single phase Zn₄Sb₃ was not obtained using a nominal stoichiometric composition, but near single phase Zn₄Sb₃ with remnant elemental Zn having a relatively high density was produced using nominally 11.7 at% Zn-rich powders. Phase transformations during mechanical alloying were systematically investigated. Thermoelectric properties and transport parameters were evaluated for the hot pressed specimens and compared with results of analogous studies.