Abstract
In order to design nano structured materials with enhanced thermoelectric properties, the alloys in the pseudo-binary $Bi_2Te_3$-PbTe system are investigated for their micro structure properties. For this synthesis, the liquid alloys are cooled by the water quenching method. Micro structure images are obtained by using an electron probe micro analyzer(EPMA). Dendritic and lamellar structures are clearly observed with the variation in the composition ratio between $Bi_2Te_3$ and PbTe. The increase in the $Bi_2Te_3$ composition ratio causes to change of the structure from dendritic to lamellar. The Seebeck coefficient of sample 5, in which the mixture rate of $Bi_2Te_3$ is 83%, is measured as the highest value. In contrast, the others decrease with the increase of the $Bi_2Te_3$ composition ratio. Meanwhile, p-type characteristics are observed in sample 6, at 91%-$Bi_2Te_3$ mixture rate. The power factors of the all samples are calculated with the Seebeck coefficient and resistivity.