Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of CoSb3 Based Incorporated with Reduced Graphene Oxide

¹ Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Malang, Jl. Semarang 5, Malang 65145, Indonesia
² Center of Advanced Materials for Renewable Energy, Universitas Negeri Malang, Jl. Semarang 5, Malang 65145, Indonesia
³ School of Physics, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 3000, Thailand

^* Corresponding author: markus.diantoro.fmipa@um.ac.id

Abstract

Thermoelectric is one of the energy harvesters that can convert heat energy into electrical energy currently being developed. One of the thermoelectric materials most studied is Antimony Cobalt (CoSb₃). The unique crystal structure, high carrier mobility, and high electrical conductivity of CoSb₃ -based skutterudite is considered promising thermoelectric material for medium-temperature thermoelectric applications. A comprehensive study is needed to investigate scientific information and its application by modifying the combination of the two phases by making CoSb₃ /rGO nanocomposites. CoSb₃ was synthesized using the polyol method, which was then composited with rGO material and made into thin films. It is found that adding rGO increases electrical conductivity. The addition of rGO composite showed that the local crystal structure experienced a decrease in peak intensity in the (0 1 3) plane. It was found that the grains were agglomerated. Furthermore, adding the rGO gives rise to a change in the size of the gr ins. The resulting electrical conductivity range from (1.4–4)×10³ Ω^-1 cm^-1 at room temperature. While at 320 K, the value of the Seebeck Coefficient composite rGO 20% is around 1.2 V/K.