Device for measuring the Seebeck coeffi cient of thermoelectric materials in the temperature range 300–800 K

Abstract

The problem of identifying patterns that are associated with the features of the structure and phase composition of new thermoelectric materials obtained by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis is considered. A measuring device has been developed to determine the Seebeck coefficient (thermoelectric motive force) of thermoelectric materials in the temperature range of 300–800 K in argon, air or vacuum. The design of the measuring device is described in detail, the capabilities of the device and the measurement error (less than 5 %) are discussed. The thermoelectromotive force of reference nickel samples in the temperature range of 300–800 K in an argon medium was measured by a differential method. Negative values of the Seebeck coefficient of the nickel sample were obtained throughout the studied temperature range, which indicates the predominance of electrons as the main charge carriers in the sample material. At room temperature, the measured value of the Seebeck coefficient is –19.05 mkV/K and decreases to a value of –25.71 mkV/K with an increase in temperature to 515 K. With a further increase in temperature to 640 K, the Seebeck coefficient monotonically increases to a value of –19.60 mkV/K. At temperatures above 640 K, the Seebeck coefficient continuously decreases and at 824 K reaches a value of –24.12 mkV/K. The Curie point is 644 K. The obtained values of the Seebeck coefficient for nickel in the temperature range 300–800 K are comparable with the data given in the literature. When calculating the Seebeck coefficient of the material, equations are used using the Seebeck coefficient values for the positive and negative thermocouple paths, which eliminates the need for additional measuring probes and contacts to measure the thermoelectric voltage on the sample. The set-up can also be used to make electrical resistance measurements using the standard 4-point method.