Thermoelectric Properties of NdxCo4-yNiySb12 Skutterudite Compounds

In an effort to further understand the influence of Nd on the thermoelectric properties of the binary compound CoSb3 and try to optimize them through doping, we prepared and investigated NdxCo4-yNiySb12 compounds. The samples have been prepared by a conventional metallurgical route. Structural analysis has been carried out by X-ray diffraction. The chemical composition and micro-homogeneity have been checked by electron probe microanalysis. Measurements of the electrical resistivity, thermoelectric power, thermal conductivity and Hall coefficient have been performed. The influence of both Nd and Ni on the thermoelectric properties of the binary parent CoSb3 is presented and discussed. Nd plays the role of a dopant (n-type) and the presence of Ni contributes to decrease significantly the electrical resistivity.