THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL IMPROVED IN FIGURE OF MERIT, PROCESS FOR PRODUCING THERE OF AND PELTIER MODULE USING THE SAME

摘要

PURPOSE: A thermoelectric material is provided to exhibit a large figure of merit regardless of the conductivity type thereof. CONSTITUTION: There is provided a thermoelectric material composed of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Bi and Sb and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Te and Se, and comprising crystal grains having respective £001| directions and an average grain size equal to or less than 30 microns, certain crystal grains having the £001| directions crossing a direction in which an electric current flows at 45 degrees or less, the certain crystal grains occupying an area equal to or less than 10 % on a section perpendicular to the direction.