Effect of synthesis duration on heat and charge transport in polycrystalline CuCr1-xMgxO2

Abstract

Magnesium-doped polycrystalline ceramic samples of cooper chromite (I) have been prepared by solid phase synthesis. Phase composition and crystal structure of synthesis have been investigated by X-ray diffraction. Microstructure of samples has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity have been measured in the temperature range 78<T<320 K. Significant reduction of thermal conductivity with an increase of synthesis duration have been observed. This effect was explained by formation of small amount of MgCr2O4 and Cr2O3 and CuO crystallites operating as effective phonon scatters. Formation of the MgCr2O4 phase is observed in X-ray diffraction patterns and SEM images of the samples with Mg content higher than 3 at. %. Formation of a small amount of Cr2O3 or CuO phase could be due to deviation of precursor’s content from stoichiometry. Obtained results open a perspective of thermoelectric figure of merit enhancement for copper chromite-based material.