Thermoelectric properties of Yb(x)Eu(1-x)Cd2Sb2.

The thermoelectric performance of EuCd(2)Sb(2) and YbCd(2)Sb(2) was improved by mixed cation occupation. The composition, structure, and thermoelectric properties of Yb(x)Eu(1-x)Cd(2)Sb(2) (x=0, 0.5, 0.75, and 1) have been investigated. Polycrystalline samples are prepared by direct reaction of the elements. Thermoelectric properties were investigated after densification of the materials by spark plasma sintering. Yb(x)Eu(1-x)Cd(2)Sb(2) crystallizes in the P3m1 space group. The lattice parameters increase with the europium content. These materials show low electrical resistivity, high Seebeck coefficient, and low thermal conductivity together with high carrier concentration and high carrier mobility. ZT values of 0.88 and 0.97 are obtained for Yb(0.5)Eu(0.5)Cd(2)Sb(2) and Yb(0.75)Eu(0.25)Cd(2)Sb(2) at 650 K, respectively.