The melt-annealing method is currently the main method for preparing the skutterudite materials and devices. However, its extensive utilization is impeded by a time-consuming annealing process. To address this issue, we have developed a melt-quenching-annealing-quenching procedure that significantly shortens the annealing time of Yb-filled CoSb3 skutterudite to only 1 day. Our findings confirm that quenching after annealing effectively promotes the formation of CoSb3 phase. Moreover, the reduced annealing time restricts grain growth. This outcome leads to a evident reduction in lattice thermal conductivity, taking into account the effect of the off-center Yb filler in voids distorting the crystal structure. Ultimately, a competitive zT of ∼1.25 is achieved at 823 K in Yb-filled CoSb3. This work provides a guidance for the rapid preparation of skutterudite by melt-annealing.

中文翻译：

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通过反复淬火加速熔融退火合成高性能填充的 skutterudite


熔融退火法是目前制备落晶石材料和器件的主要方法。然而，耗时的退火过程阻碍了其广泛使用。为了解决这个问题，我们开发了一种熔融淬火-退火-淬火程序，将填充 Yb 的 CoSb3 闪石的退火时间显着缩短到仅 1 天。我们的研究结果证实，退火后淬火有效促进了 CoSb3 相的形成。此外，退火时间的缩短限制了晶粒的生长。考虑到偏心 Yb 填料在空隙中扭曲晶体结构的影响，这一结果导致晶格热导率明显降低。最终，在填充 Yb 的 CoSb3 中，在 823 K 处实现了 ∼1.25 的具有竞争力的 zT。本工作为熔融退火快速制备石墨灰石提供了指导。