The n-type NbCoSn, ZrNiSn and p-type NbFeSb half-Heuslers are promising thermoelectric materials with high figures of merit (ZT) for applications between 575 and 1000 K. By eliminating hafnium and utilizing low cost scalable production methods, the widespread commercialization of high temperature thermoelectrics could be achieved. In this work, half-Heuslers containing refractory metals (Nb and Zr) were produced by high energy planetary ball milling and their thermoelectric performance compared to half-Heuslers prepared by the conventional arc-melting synthesis route. Starting materials, as-milled powders, and consolidated samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, and EDS. The thermoelectric performance parameters were characterized using simultaneous Seebeck and electrical resistivity measurements and laser flash analysis. The mechanically alloyed NbCoSn and NbFeSb achieved ZT of approximately 0.53 (873 K) and 0.72 (873 K), respectively, comparing well to literature and prepared arc-melted monoliths. The results demonstrate mechanical alloying as a viable synthesis technique for refractory metal containing half-Heusler thermoelectrics.

n型NbCoSn，ZrNiSn和p型NbFeSb半霍斯勒是有前途的热电材料，具有较高的品质因数（ZT），可用于575至1000 K之间的应用。可以实现高温热电。在这项工作中，通过高能行星球磨生产了含有难熔金属（Nb和Zr）的半霍斯勒管，其热电性能与通过常规电弧熔化合成路线制备的半霍斯勒管相比。通过XRD，SEM和EDS对原材料，研磨后的粉末和固结样品进行表征。使用同时的塞贝克和电阻率测量以及激光闪光分析来表征热电性能参数。与文献和制备的电弧熔融整料相比，机械合金化的NbCoSn和NbFeSb的ZT分别约为0.53（873 K）和0.72（873 K）。结果表明，机械合金化是一种可行的合成技术，用于含难熔金属的半霍斯勒热电材料。