Compound Semiconductor Material for Thermoelectric Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compound semiconductors fail to meet the requirements of high energy conversion efficiency, long-term stability, and cost-effectiveness for thermoelectric conversion devices and solar cells, particularly in terms of Seebeck coefficient, electric conductivity, and thermal conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A new compound semiconductor material represented by Chemical Formula In0.25Zn0.1Co3.6Rh0.4Sb10.5Sn0.5O0.2Te0.8 is synthesized through a thermal treatment process, which can be used in thermoelectric conversion devices and solar cells, offering improved thermoelectric performance and light absorption capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional compound semiconductors are used for thermoelectric conversion devices, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the energy conversion efficiency is insufficient due to inadequate Seebeck coefficient, electric conductivity, and thermal conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite material approach by combining multiple elements (Co, Sb, In, Zn, Rh, Sn, O, Te) to form a complex compound semiconductor with the formula Co4-x-y-zMxNiySb12-p-q-rXpYqZr where M, N, X, Y, Z are specific elements. This composite structure allows simultaneous optimization of Seebeck coefficient, electric conductivity, and thermal conductivity, achieving high energy conversion efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through controlled synthesis parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies compositional parameters (x, y, z, p, q, r ratios of different elements) and synthesis parameters (temperature, time, atmosphere) to optimize thermoelectric performance. By adjusting these parameters, the invention achieves optimal balance between Seebeck coefficient, electric conductivity, and thermal conductivity, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and energy conversion efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If compound semiconductors with high photoelectric conversion efficiency are developed for solar cells, then the light absorption capability is improved, but the production cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite compound semiconductor structure with multiple elements (Co, Sb, In, Zn, Rh, Sn, O, Te) that can be tuned for optimal light absorption across the solar spectrum. The multi-element composition allows broadening the absorption range and improving photoelectric conversion efficiency while the established synthesis methodology keeps production costs manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces local compositional variations within the crystal structure through controlled doping and substitution of specific elements at different lattice positions. This local quality adjustment optimizes light absorption and charge carrier generation in specific regions, enhancing overall photoelectric conversion efficiency without requiring complete restructuring of the material system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The new compound semiconductor exhibits enhanced ZT value, low thermal conductivity, and high electric conductivity, making it suitable for thermoelectric conversion and solar cell applications, while also being adaptable for IR windows and sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a compound semiconductor solar cell using a compound semiconductor, and may particularly use compound semiconductors in the III-V group such as GaAs, InP, GaAlAs and GaInAs
Implementation Method 2
in the thermoelectric conversion generation, a thermal electromotive force generated by applying a temperature difference to the thermoelectric conversion device is used for converting thermal energy to electric energy
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Disclosed are new compound semiconductors which may be used for solar cells or as thermoelectric materials, and their application. The compound semiconductor may be represented by a chemical formula: InxMyCo4-mAmSb12-n-z-pXnQ'pTez, where M is at least one selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu; A is at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir and Pt; X is at least one selected from the group consisting of Si, Ga, Ge and Sn; Q' is at least one selected from the group consisting of O, S and Se; 0<x<1; 0<y<1; 0≤m≤1; 0≤n≤7; 0<z≤2 and 0<p≤2.