Abstract In this research, stoichiometric Pb1-xSmxTe (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08) nanostructures were synthesized using the hydrothermal technique. The synthesized nanostructures were examined using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscope and photoluminescence spectroscope. The results revealed that the samples were crystallized mainly in a cubic phase characterizing the PbTe compounds. However, the samples containing Sm content above x ≥ 0.06 exhibited small minor peaks correspond to the Pb phase. The PL spectra show a strong quantum confinement effectand exhibit a strong peak around 400 nm at room temperature that might be ascribed to the high level transition in the PbTe semiconductor. The thermoelectric measurements verified the domination of p-type semiconducting behavior. The reduction in the thermal conductivity through nanostructuring gives a high ZT of 0.7 at 398 K when Sm content reaches x = 0.06. The value is comparable to that of previously reported best PbTe-based thermoelectric materials.

中文翻译：

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通过 Sm 掺杂调整 Pb1-xSmxTe 纳米结构的热电特性

摘要 在这项研究中，使用水热技术合成了化学计量的 Pb1-xSmxTe (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08) 纳米结构。合成的纳米结构使用 X 射线衍射、拉曼光谱、扫描和高分辨率透射电子显微镜和光致发光光谱仪进行检查。结果表明，样品主要在表征 PbTe 化合物的立方相中结晶。然而，含有高于 x ≥ 0.06 的 Sm 含量的样品表现出对应于 Pb 相的小小峰。PL 光谱显示出强烈的量子限制效应，并在室温下在 400 nm 附近显示出一个强峰，这可能归因于 PbTe 半导体中的高能级跃迁。热电测量验证了 p 型半导体行为的主导地位。当 Sm 含量达到 x = 0.06 时，通过纳米结构降低热导率可在 398 K 下提供 0.7 的高 ZT。该值与先前报道的最佳 PbTe 基热电材料相当。