Effects of polymeric coatings on the service life of bismuth telluride-based thermoelectric materials

Abstract

Thermoelectric (TE) devices have one main disadvantage: short service lifetime. These devices undergo degradation by sublimation, oxidation, and reactions in corrosive environments. To prevent the degradation, we have applied two high temperature polymers (HTPs) as coatings for Bi₂Te₃-based TE materials. Sintering temperatures were from 250 °C to 400 °C. EDS and SEM results show that the coatings prevent the oxidation and sublimation of TE materials. We also shorten the curing cycle time and lower the energy costs. Electrical resistivity values show that Bi₂Te₃ materials can perform well up to 300 °C with our HTPs.