Patent ID: 8721912
Filing Date: 2014-05-13
Classification: H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of producing a nanocomposite thermoelectric conversion material, comprising: dispersing amorphous nanoparticles in a solution of salts of elements that constitute a thermoelectric conversion material, wherein in the solution, an amount of one element among the elements is excessive with respect to a solid solubility limit in the thermoelectric conversion material, and an amount of each of a rest of the elements is in a solid solubility range; precipitating a matrix-precursor made of the thermoelectric conversion material that is oversaturated with the one element, around the amorphous nanoparticles, thereby producing nanocomposite particles, by adding a reducing agent to the solution; and heat-treating the produced nanocomposite particles so that the matrix-precursor is formed into an alloy to produce a crystalline matrix made of the thermoelectric conversion material, and at the same time, the one element is precipitated on surfaces of the amorphous nanoparticles to produce crystalline films.