Incomplete Crystallization of Skutterudites

摘要

A series of Ce_xCo_4Sb_(12) samples were synthesized, with x = 0 to 2. The crystallinity of the samples was studied using quantitative Rietveld analysis, and revealed that the samples did not crystallize completely. These data correlated with changes in the lattice parameter, DSC peak temperature, and DSC peak area. The crystallinity was confirmed using electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD), which showed crystallites with a background of an amorphous matrix. This unusual morphology may improve thermoelectric properties by decreasing thermal conductivity.