Synthesis of (Bi2Te3)x(Sb2Te3)y and (TiTe2)x(Sb2Te3)y(TiTe2)x(Bi2Te3)z Superlattices: An Investigation into Thermal Conductivity Dependence on Superlattice Period

Abstract

There is disagreement concerning the effect superlattice period has on thermal conductivity. Accordingly, Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 and Bi2Te3/TiTe2/Sb2Te3 superlattices were synthesized to determine whether differing thicknesses of the layering structure affected thermal conductivity significantly. In the Bi2Te3/Sb2Te3 superlattice, the two components were found to interdiffuse slightly upon annealing rather than crystallizing ideally. Consequently, the research shifted to include a TiTe2 barrier between Bi2Te3 and Sb2Te3. Calibration of the new system resulted in more ideal crystalline structure following annealing. Once fully calibrated, this titanium barrier system could be subjected to thermal conductivity analysis.