A new generation of high performance large-scale and flexible thermo-generators based on (Bi,Sb)2 (Te,Se)3 nano-powders using the Spark Plasma Sintering technique

An original and rapid way to build efficient thermo-generator in one step based on n-type and p-type (Bi,Sb)(2) (Te,Se)(3) nano-materials embedded in a polymer matrix is described, n-Type and p-type nano-powders are obtained through a mechanical alloying process leading to particle size of about 50 nm. The flexible thermo-generator is assembled in one step by Pulsed Current Electrical Sintering (PECS) also known as Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) from a stacking of: (1) p-type powder, (2) special design of an electrical insulating polymer matrix and (3) n-type powder. After polishing the two sides of the thermo-generators in order to reveal series of n-type and p-type thermo-elements, electrical connections of these plots are made. Due to the fast sintering treatment, the nanostructure of thermo-elements is conserved. The full thermoelectric characterizations of such thermo-generator have been investigated leading to a generated output voltage of 51 mV for 17 thermocouples (Delta T similar to 14 degrees C). (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.