Thermoelectric Properties of Ag2Te

The Seebeck coefficient α, electrical conductivity σ, and thermal conductivity K data are given for a number of Ag2Te specimens measured at room temperature. The maximum value observed for the figure of merit α2σ/K was 1.3×10−3°C−1. The relationship between K and σ was linear, and Kel could be expressed approximately by (π2/3) (k/e)2σT. Kph was found to be 0.72×10−2 w cm−1°C−1. There was no evidence of an ambipolar diffusion contribution to K. It is suggested that the small energy gap (0.02 ev) previously determined in this compound could account for the absence of a measurable ambipolar diffusion effect, the degeneracylike behavior of Kel, and the relatively low values of the Seebeck coefficient.