THERMO-ELECTRIC CONVERTING MATERIALS, PROCESS FOR PRODUCING THE SAME, AND THERMO-ELECTRIC CONVERTING ELEMENT

摘要

A thermoelectric conversion material is provided which stably exhibits high thermoelectric conversion performance at about 300 to 600°C and has high physical strength, resistance to weathering, durability, stability, and reliability. A method for manufacturing the same, and a thermoelectric conversion element are also provided. Also provided is a thermoelectric conversion material produced using, as a raw material, silicon sludge which has had to be disposed of in landfill. The thermoelectric conversion material of the invention is characterized by containing, as a main component, a sintered body composed of polycrystalline magnesium silicide containing at least one element selected from As, Sb, P, Al, and B. The manufacturing method uses purified and refined silicon sludge.