Effect of Oxide Impurities on the Thermoelectric Powers and Electrical Resistivities of Bismuth, Antimony, Tellurium, and Bismuth-Tellurium Alloys

The thermoelectric powers of bismuth and antimony are only slightly altered by the presence of Bi2O3 and Sb2O3, respectively, and the electrical resistivities are increased. The thermoelectric power of tellurium, however, is extremely sensitive to TeO2 imputities. Bismuth-tellurium alloys show greatest sensitivity to oxide impurities when their composition is in the range corresponding to Bi2Te3. The thermoelectric powers of these materials depend in detail on the manner in which the thermal gradient is applied during measurement.