Improved Thermoelectric Power of HgTe Nanoparticle Thin Films Embedded with Ag Nanoparticles

Abstract

In this study, we demonstrate an enhancement in the thermoelectric characteristics of a HgTe nanoparticle (NP) thin film with a Ag NP layer. For a thermoelectric HgTe NP thin film, the Seebeck coefficient is reduced from 1950 to 1690 mu V/K with the formation of an Ag NP layer in the middle of the film, but the electrical conductivity is significantly enhanced. The reduction of the Seebeck coefficient is attributed to an increase in the carrier concentration caused by the presence of the metal NP layer. Owing to the enhancement in electrical conductivity, the thermoelectric power of the HgTe NP thin film embedded with Ag NPs is improved tenfold as compared to that of a HgTe NP thin film without any Ag NPs.