Patent ID: 9263662
Filing Date: 2016-02-16
CPC Classification: H01L

Claim Text:
1. A method for forming a thermoelectric element having a figure of merit (ZT) that is at least 0.25 at 25° C., comprising: (a) providing a reaction space comprising a semiconductor substrate, a working electrode in electrical communication with a first surface of said semiconductor substrate, an etching solution in contact with a second surface of said semiconductor substrate, and a counter electrode in said etching solution, wherein said first and second surfaces of said semiconductor substrate is substantially free of a metallic coating; and (b) using said working electrode and said counter electrode to (i) direct electrical current to said semiconductor substrate at a current density of at least 0.1 mA/cm wherein said etch is performed at an electrical potential of at least 1 volt (V) across said semiconductor substrate and said etching solution, and wherein said etch has an etch rate that is at least 1 nanometer (nm) per second at 25° C.