Enhancement of Thermoelectric Performance of Donor-Doped ZnO Ceramics by Involving an In Situ Aluminothermic Reaction during Processing

This work explores the possibility of involving aluminothermy in processing donor-doped zinc oxide-based thermoelectrics by relying on local, strong exothermic effects developed during sintering, with a potential positive impact electrical and thermal transport properties. The strategy was exemplified using aluminium as dopant, due to its recognized ability generate additional, available charge carriers ZnO, two different metallic Al powders conventional Al2O3 precursors. Nanosized powder involved order evaluate possible desirable particles size, compared micropowder. A significant enhancement thermoelectric performance samples prepared via precursors observed discussed terms impacts provided aluminothermic reaction microstructure, carrier concentration mobility sintering. Although presented results are first show evidence how reactions can be used for boosting oxide materials, detailed mechanisms behind enhancements yet understood.