Synthesis and Electronic Transport of n-Type Ag₂Te_1−xSe_x (x = 0, 0.01, and 0.02) via Aqueous Solution Method at Room Temperature

A series of Ag₂Te_1−xSe_x/Ag nanocomposites with x = 0, 0.01, and 0.02 is fabricated using aqueous solution method at room temperature followed by sintering in an evacuated-and-encapsulated ampoule. The resulting materials are characterized by power x-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, high resolution tunneling electron microscopy and thermoelectric property measurements. Slight doping of Se for Te results in higher resistivity and absolute thermopower as compared to nondoped Ag₂Te/Ag nanocomposites. As a result, the power factor is significantly enhanced around structural transition temperature as well as in the temperature interval of 550 K and 650 K. A maximum power factor of 13.7 μW/cm-K² is attained for x = 0.01 at 425 K.