Investigation of cubic PbS/AgSbS₂ system for thermoelectric applications

Investigation of a family of bulk cubic compounds with general formula AgPb_mMS_2+m (M = Sb, Bi) is reported. These PbS-based cubic structured quaternary systems combine a set of desirable features for efficient ZT thermoelectric materials for solar thermal power generation. AgPb _mMS_2+m (M = Sb, Bi) possess an average NaCl structure (Fm-3m symmetry), high melting point (991 -1095 °C for M = Sb; 865 - 1091 °C for M = Bi), relatively wide energy gap (0.7 > E_g (eV) > 0.39 for both Sb and Bi). The systematic variation of lattice parameters, energy gap and melting point is reported. Preliminary charge transport properties are reported along with variable temperature thermal conductivity data of selected members.