InAs and InSb as Thermoelectric Materials

Measurements of the electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient (thermoelectric power) of InSb and InAs have been made at high temperatures. The thermoelectric figure of merit (S2σ/κ) averaged 0.42×10−3 °K−1 between 100 and 500°C for InSb and 0.44×10−3 °K−1 between 500 and 750°C for InAs. Hence n‐InAs and InSb in series may be used to generate electrical power with an efficiency of about 6% when used in conjunction with p‐type materials of similar characteristics. In neither InSb up to 500° nor InAs up to 800°C did the thermal conductivity show the large high‐temperature anomaly previously reported in InSb.