Transport properties of partially filled skutterudite derivatives Ce0.13Co4Ge6Se6 and Yb0.14Co4Ge6Se6.

We report on the synthesis and low-temperature transport properties of Ce0.13Co4Ge6Se6 and Yb0.14Co4Ge6Se6. Reitveld refinement was used to identify the structure and stoichiometry of the two compositions. The compounds are skutterudite derivatives with rhombohedral symmetry. The thermal conductivity data were investigated by employing the Debye model with different phonon-scattering parameters. The structural properties have a significant effect on the electrical and thermal properties. This work is part of the continuing effort to explore different skutterudite compositions and structure types, as this class of materials continues to be of interest for thermoelectrics applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]