Preparation and properties of Zn$_4$Sb$_3$-based thermoelectric material

The effect of synthesis conditions on the structure and thermoelectric properties of zinc-antimonide-based materials is investigated. The effects of Zn excess, the modes of spark plasma sintering, and In doping on the phase composition and the thermal stability of the properties of the obtained material are considered. The material is prepared by the method of the direct alloying of components and spark plasma sintering. It is shown that, at certain modes of spark plasma sintering, the introduction of an excess amount of Zn and In doping make it possible to obtain $\beta$-Zn$_4$Sb$_3$ with the thermoelectric efficiency $ZT\approx$ 1.47 at a temperature of 720 K, which shows the stability of characteristics under the performed tests.