Patent ID: 8518288
Filing Date: 2013-08-27
Classification: B82Y,C04B,H01L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A process for forming thermoelectric nanoparticles including the steps of: forming a core material reverse micelle or micelle; adding a bismuth containing compound to the core material reverse micelle or micelle forming a reverse micelle or micelle having the bismuth containing compound dispersed therein; adding a tellurium containing compound with the formed micelle or reverse micelle in the presence of a reducing agent that alloys with the bismuth containing compound forming composite thermoelectric nanoparticles having a core and shell structure; washing the core and shell nanoparticles in a solvent mixture including ammonium hydroxide, water and methanol wherein the core and shell nanoparticles remain un-agglomerated and have a particle size of from 1-25 nanometers.