Thermoelectric Study of La2Ti2-xNbxO7 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) Ceramics

Abstract

La2Ti2 − xNbxO7 (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25) powders were synthesised via solid state reaction method, followed by sintering at 1673 K in a reducing atmosphere of 5% H2/N2 gas. The crystal structure, microstructure and thermoelectric (TE) properties of the pure and Nb-doped La2Ti2O7 ceramics were investigated. All compositions were single phase with porous microstructures consistent with their low experimental densities. Thermoelectric results of Nb-doped compositions showed improved properties in comparison to pure La2Ti2O7, suggesting that cation doping has the potential to improve the thermoelectric properties. Generally, the TE results obtained are not suitable for thermoelectric applications. However, the high Seebeck coefficient ( \ge 190 µV/K) and glass-like thermal conductivity ( \le 2.26 \text{W}/\text{m}.\text{K}) values achieved have opened a new window for exploring the thermoelectric potentials of La2Ti2O7 and other related oxides.