Pulsed Light Sintering for Thermoelectric Films

This research report details the use of Pulsed Light sintering to fabricate high-efficiency thermoelectric (TE) films from Bismuth Telluride-based nanoparticles. The study, conducted by a team from six universities, aimed to enhance the efficiency of thermoelectric generators for waste heat recovery. The methodology involved synthesizing nanoparticles through a microwave-stimulated wet-chemical method, followed by creating a nanoparticle ink dispersion. The ink was applied to substrates to form TE films, which were then sintered using Pulsed Light under ambient conditions. The results indicated a significant increase in electrical conductivity of the TE films, achieving values up to 3200 S m^−1, which is five to six orders of magnitude greater than the conductivity of the compacted nanoparticles prior to sintering. The findings suggest that this photonic sintering process is compatible with rapid roll-to-roll manufacturing, providing a scalable and cost-effective method for producing thermoelectric devices on various substrates. The report outlines potential applications in automotive, energy generation, microelectronics, industrial waste heat recovery, and aerospace sectors.