Synthesis and thermoelectric characterization of bulk-type tellurium nanowire/polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

A simple method to fabricate three-dimensionally (3-D) aligned thermoelectric nanowires attached polymer particle was demonstrated by combination of solution casting of thermoelectric nanostructures (e.g., tellurium nanowires (Te NWs)) on the surface of thermoplastic polymer (e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate (PMMA)) microbeads followed by hot compaction of thermoplastic matrix. The percolation threshold of composite with 3-D assembled Te NWs (i.e., 3.45 vol%) significantly was lower than that of a randomly dispersed Te NWs (i.e., 5.26 vol%), which resulted in an order of magnitude greater thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT of 2.8 x 10(-3)) compared to randomly dispersed Te NWs in PMMA matrix (ZT of 6.4 x 10(-4)) at room temperature by enhancing the electrical conductivity without increasing thermal conductivity.