Thermoelectric Properties Measurement System

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Thermoelectric materials are intensively studied as a key element of the green energy paradigm; they can generate electricity from solar or waste heat, and can also be used for solid-state refrigeration, and thermoelectric materials research is expected to contribute significantly to the future economic activity of Canada. Many of the research efforts in the field are devoted to improving the thermoelectric figure of merit, zT, which requires simultaneous measurements of thermal conductivity, the Seebeck coefficient, and electrical conductivity. Therefore, measuring zT as a function of temperature is an indispensable step in thermoelectrics research. We propose to acquire a thermoelectric properties measurement system, and add this capability to the existing Quantum Design Physical Properties Measurement System (PPMS). This system will allow us to obtain the thermoelectric figure of merit over a wide range of temperatures (2K-400K), and support research activities in developing low-temperature and nano-textured thermoelectric materials. This system will be one of the main experimental facilities supporting the NSERC CREATE program entitled "Taming the Lost Heat: Training and Research in Thermoelectrics."