Figure of merit of quasicrystals: the case of Al–Cu–Fe

• Published in: Vacuum Vol. 61; no. 2; pp. 345 - 348
• Main Authors: Bilušić, A, Pavuna, D, Smontara, A
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 14-05-2001; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Electrical and thermal conduction in crystalline metals and alloys; Electrical conductivity; Electronic conduction in metals and alloys; Electronic transport in condensed matter; Exact sciences and technology; Figure of merit; Metals. Metallurgy; Physics; Quasicrystals; Thermal conductivity; Thermoelectric and thermomagnetic effects; Thermopower; Thermal conductivity; Electrical conductivity; Thermopower; Quasicrystals; Figure of merit; Aluminium alloys; Thermoelectric power; Copper alloys; Iron alloys; Experimental study; Transition element alloys; Icosahedral phase
• ISSN: 0042-207X; 1879-2715
• DOI: 10.1016/S0042-207X(01)00290-1

Quasicrystals exhibit low thermal and moderate electrical conductivity, accompanied by a relatively high absolute magnitude of thermopower, which makes them suitable candidates for use as thermoelectric devices. Theoretical explanations of electrical and thermal conductivity and thermopower of two representative members of the Al–Cu–Fe icosahedral quasicrystal family (
i-Al
62Cu
25.5Fe
12.5 and
i-Al
63Cu
25Fe
12) are given. Their figures of merit are relatively low compared with the best-known thermoelectric materials.