Nanostructured kesterite (Cu2ZnSnS4) for applications in thermoelectric devices. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Isotta, E.; Pugno, N. M.; Scardi, P.
• Is Part Of: Powder diffraction. Volume 34(2019)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S42
• Page End: S47
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: thermoelectric materials, -- CZTS, -- nanocrystalline kesterite, -- ball milling, -- high-temperature energy harvesting, -- cubic to tetragonal transition; Powder metallurgy -- Periodicals; Materials -- Analysis -- Periodicals; 620.1127
• DOI: 10.1017/S0885715619000277
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-7156

Abstract

Abstract : Kesterite (Cu2 ZnSnS4, CZTS) powders were produced by reactive high-energy milling, starting from stoichiometric mixtures of the elemental components. CZTS forms fine crystals with a cubic structure, which evolves to the stable tetragonal form after thermal treatment. Tablets were produced by cold pressing of the ball milled powder, and sintered up to 660 °C. Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, and thermal diffusivity were measured on the sintered tablets, pointing out the positive effect of CZTS nanostructure and of the rather large fraction of porosity: thermal conductivity is rather low (from ~0.8 W/(m K) at 20 °C to ~0.42 W/(m K) at 500 °C), while electrical conduction is not seriously hindered (electrical resistivity from ~8500 µΩ m at 40 °C to ~2000 µΩ m at 400 °C). Preliminary results of thermoelectric behavior are promising.