Thermoelectric properties of Bi$_{2}$Te$_{2.4}$Se$_{0.6}$ solid solutions of different particle-size composition

The thermoelectric properties of $n$-type Bi$_{2}$Te$_{2.4}$Se$_{0.6}$ solid solution prepared by the vacuum hot pressing of powder mixtures with different particle sizes are investigated. The powders were prepared by the mechanical grinding of ingots and melt spinning. The microstructure and fracture pattern of a sample cleavage surface are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The thermoelectric characteristics (the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity) are measured at room temperature and in the temperature range of 100–700 K.