Thermoelectric properties of nanocrystalline Ca(3-x)Cu(x)Co4O9 (0 < or = x < or = 0.32) for power generation

We successfully synthesized nano-sized Ca(3-x)Cu(x)Co4O9 (0 < or = x < or = 0.32) powders by solution combustion process. Plate-like grains and porous structure were observed in the sintered Ca(3-x)Cu(x)Co4O9 ceramics. The sintered Ca(3-x)Cu(x)Co4O9 showed a monoclinic symmetry. The electrical conductivity of the Ca(3-x)Cu(x)Co4O9 increased with increasing temperature, indicative of a semiconducting behavior. The added Cu led to a significant increase in the electrical conductivity. The Seebeck coefficient of the Cu-added Ca(3-x)Cu(x)Co4O9 was much higher than that of the Cu-free Ca3Co4O9. The highest power factor (9.99 x 10(-4) Wm(-1)K-2) was obtained for Ca2.76Cu0.24Co4O9 at 800 degrees C.