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Abstract

ZnAlO series thermoelectric conversion materials have large thermal conductivity κ about 40 W/mK at room temperature, thus the dimensionless figure of merit ZT remains around 0.3 at 1000 deg C, which is a third of the value required in practical application. An n-type thermoelectric conversion material, comprising aluminum including zinc oxide, which is represented by a general formula: Zn_1-x-yAl_xGa_yO (wherein 0.01≦x≦0.04, 0.01≦y≦0.03, 0.9≦x/y≦2.0). ZT value not less than 0.6 can be realized at 1000 deg C. By co-doping Al and Ga into ZnO, the thermal conductivity κ can be significantly reduced maintaining a large electric conductivity σ, resulting in a significant improvement of the thermoelectric performance.

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First Claim