Al-doped ZnO prepared by co-precipitation method and its thermoelectric characteristics

We report on structural and electrical characterization of zinc oxide material containing aluminum (Al: ZnO) prepared by a co-precipitation technique using different zinc and aluminum precursors. The as prepared powders were calcinated and pre-annealed at 600 degrees C and 1200 degrees C. These were cold-pressed to pellets and sintered at 1000 degrees C. We also prepared ZnO material with no Al for comparisons. The electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as the Seebeck coefficient, were measured. These properties were correlated with structural analysis by X-ray diffraction characterization and scanning electron microscopy. The process yields a nanostructured material with much reduced thermal conductivity. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study reports on the structural and electrical characterization of zinc oxide material containing aluminum prepared using a co-precipitation technique with different zinc and aluminum precursors. The resulting material exhibits a nanostructured form with significantly reduced thermal conductivity.