Bi-Sb alloys: an update

Abstract

This paper is devoted to a survey of the principal studies performed on Bi-Sb thermoelectric materials over the last forty years. Bi-Sb alloys are still the best n-type materials for refrigeration at low temperatures nowadays. After a brief introduction of their physical characteristics (crystallography and band structure), the elaboration, characterization and transport properties (thermoelectric and galvanomagnetic) of the Bi-Sb alloys will be presented. The results obtained on bulk materials, in single crystalline and polycrystalline forms, and thin films will be discussed.