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Structure-Property Relations in Skutterudites

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Chemistry, Physics, and Materials Science of Thermoelectric Materials

Part of the book series: Fundamental Materials Research ((FMRE))

Abstract

Vigorous research efforts over the past few years to identify new, efficient thermoelectric materials that would supercede the existing materials base of thermoelectrics has resulted in several interesting structures. A common feature of many of these novel thermoelectrics is a relatively open atomic configuration that offers numerous possibilities to modify the material with the aim of maximizing its thermoelectric efficiency. Among these novel thermoelectrics, skutterudites have attracted the greatest attention. An in-depth account of the physical, chemical, and materials issues pertaining to skutterudites has been published recently1, and the relevance of skutterudites to thermoelectricity was pointed out2. In the space available here, I will focus on the interrelation between the structural and bonding characteristics of skutterudite compounds and their transport properties that ultimately determine whether skutterudites will fulfill their promise as novel thermoelectric materials.

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  1. Department of Physics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    Ctirad Uher

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  1. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA

    M. G. Kanatzidis , S. D. Mahanti  & T. P. Hogan ,  & 

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Uher, C. (2003). Structure-Property Relations in Skutterudites. In: Kanatzidis, M.G., Mahanti, S.D., Hogan, T.P. (eds) Chemistry, Physics, and Materials Science of Thermoelectric Materials. Fundamental Materials Research. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9278-9_8

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