ABSTRACTOur efforts to improve the thermoelectric properties of β-K2Bi8Se13, led to systematic studies of solid solutions of the type β-K2Bi8−xSbxSe13. The charge transport properties and thermal conductivities were studied for selected members of the series. Lattice thermal conductivity decreases due to the mass fluctuation generated in the lattice by the mixed occupation of Sb and Bi atoms. Se excess as a dopant was found to increase the figure-of merit of the solid solutions.
Valence band dispersions of single-crystalline SnS1-xSex solid solutions were observed by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). The hole effective masses, crucial factors in determining thermoelectric properties, were directly evaluated. They decrease...