CoSb3−yTey skutterudites were prepared by encapsulated induction melting, and their thermoelectric and electronic transport properties were investigated. Single δ-phase was successfully obtained by the subsequent annealing at 773 K for 24 h. The Seebeck coefficient and the Hall coefficient confirmed that all the Te-doped CoSb3 showed n-type conduction. Te atoms successfully acted as electron donors by substituting Sb atoms. The carrier concentration increased to an order of 1021 cm−3 by Te doping, whereas the carrier mobility decreased as the doping content increased. The Seebeck coefficient and the electrical resistivity decreased with an increase in the Te content. The thermal conductivity was considerably reduced by doping due to electron-phonon scattering and the lattice contribution was dominant over the electronic contribution.

Keywords: Thermoelectric, Skutterudite, Doping.