Water based sol–gel methods used for Bi-222 thermoelectrics preparation

Abstract

Three different water based sol–gel methods were compared in the synthesis of Bi₂Sr₂Co_1.8O_x thermoelectric ceramics. We chose methods that can stabilize a Bi³⁺ ion while solution and gel are formed: chelating method using combination of ethylenediamintetraacetic acid (EDTA) and triethanolamine (TEA) chelating agents and, further, synthesis using two different water soluble polymers—polyacrylamide or polyethylenimin. In each sol–gel process, we tested two gel decomposition atmospheres. The gels were decomposed either in air or in inert atmosphere (followed by treatment in pure oxygen). Additionally, a sample synthesized by solid state reaction was used for comparison with the sol–gel prepared samples. The grain size of precursors and also their phase composition were determined for methods used and different gels decomposition atmospheres. The sintered final samples did not differ in phase composition; on the other hand, they vary in volume density and microstructure. The differences were reflected in electric transport measurement (the temperature dependence of Seebeck coefficient, resistivity and thermal conductivity). The use of EDTA/TEA or PEI methods led to the samples with improved thermoelectric parameters in comparison to the solid state sample.