Structural Characterization and Thermoelectric Properties of Hot-Pressed CoSi Nanocomposites

Abstract

Fabrication of nanocomposites by introduction of SiO2 metal oxide nanoparticles into a cobalt silicide thermoelectric matrix is studied. The CoSi matrix material was prepared through solid-state synthesis, and the nano-SiO2 metal oxide was introduced by mechanical grinding. The mixed powders were hot pressed to fabricate nanocomposites. The structural and morphological modifications were studied by powder x-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The thermoelectric properties of the materials were followed through the Hall effect, Seebeck coefficient, and electrical and thermal conductivities in the temperature range from 300 K to 1000 K. © 2014, TMS.