InxMyCo4-mAmSb12-n-z-pXnQ′pTez Compound Semiconductor 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 InxMyCo4-mAmSb12-n-z-pXnQ′pTez is synthesized, which can be used for thermoelectric conversion materials and solar cells, with a preparation method involving mixing specific elements and thermal treatment, enhancing ZT value and thermal conductivity.
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 easy, but the energy conversion efficiency is insufficient due to inadequate Seebeck coefficient, electric conductivity, and thermal conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple elements (In, Co, Sb, Te, and optional 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, Lu) to create a compound semiconductor with optimized thermoelectric properties. This composite approach enables simultaneous improvement of Seebeck coefficient, electric conductivity, and thermal conductivity, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and energy conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the composition ratios of constituent elements (InxMyCo4-mAmSb12-n-z-pXnQ′pTez) to optimize thermoelectric performance. By adjusting atomic percentages and element substitutions, the Seebeck coefficient, electric conductivity, and thermal conductivity are tuned to achieve high energy conversion efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through controlled synthesis parameters.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional compound semiconductors are used for solar cells, then production cost and yield conditions can be met, but long-term electric and optical stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with multiple elements (In, Co, Sb, Te, and optional additives) to create a compound semiconductor that simultaneously achieves cost-effectiveness and long-term stability. The composite structure provides both the desired optical properties for solar cell operation and enhanced structural stability for long-term durability, while maintaining manufacturability through established synthesis methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by introducing specific elements at controlled concentrations to enhance particular properties. For example, certain elements are added to improve optical stability in the light absorption layer, while maintaining overall cost-effectiveness and manufacturability. This localized optimization allows simultaneous achievement of reliability and production efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If compound semiconductors with high Seebeck coefficient and high electric conductivity are developed to enhance energy conversion efficiency, then thermoelectric performance improves, but thermal conductivity increases which reduces ZT value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically adjusting the composition ratios of constituent elements to decouple the relationships between electrical and thermal conductivity. By optimizing the atomic percentages of In, Co, Sb, Te, and optional elements, the Seebeck coefficient and electric conductivity are enhanced while thermal conductivity is suppressed through compositional control, achieving high ZT values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials with multiple elements to independently optimize electrical and thermal transport properties. The complex multi-element composition allows for enhanced Seebeck coefficient and electric conductivity while the specific combination of elements suppresses thermal conductivity through phonon scattering mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between energy conversion efficiency and thermal conductivity.
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 improved thermoelectric performance with a high ZT value, low thermal conductivity, and high electric conductivity, making it suitable for thermoelectric conversion devices and solar cells, while also being adaptable for other applications like IR windows and sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal electromotive force generated by applying a temperature difference to the thermoelectric conversion device is used for converting thermal energy to electric energy
Implementation Method 2
a compound semiconductor may be used for thermoelectric conversion devices using a Peltier effect
Implementation Method 3
a compound semiconductor solar cell using a compound semiconductor in a light absorption layer which absorbs solar rays and generates an electron-hole pair
Data Source
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.