Exploration of n-type oxides by high throughput screening

In order to discover a new n-type oxide possessing good thermoelectric properties, exploration methods consisting of synthesis and evaluation of thermoelectric properties must be efficient. A new high throughput screening method is developed. Water solutions of metal nitric acid salts were used as starting materials in this method. One library with 100 specimens on a 100/spl times/100 mm alumina plate just before heat treatment can be prepared in an hour. After the heat treatment, evaluation of thermoelectric power is carried out using a two terminal method in a speed of 240 specimens/h. Some specimens in the ternary system of Ni show n-type response.