Zintl phase as thermoelectric materials: Synthesis, structure and properties of Yb₅Al₂Sb₆

We present the synthesis, crystal structure, spectroscopic properties, and electronic structure of a new member of the Zintl family, Yb₅Al ₂Sb₆. The compound crystallizes in the Ba ₅Al₂Bi₆ structure type. A preliminary assessment of its thermoelectric properties including electrical conductivity, thermopower, and thermal conductivity are reported. Moreover, investigations of solid solutions of this phase, doping effects and chemical modifications will be presented. The room temperature conductivity, thermopower and thermal conductivity of Yb₅Al₂Sb₆/0.5Ge were 1100 S/cm, 20μ V/K, and 3.8 W/m K, respectively.