Enhanced low-temperature thermoelectrical properties of BiTeCl grown by topotactic method

We developed a topotactic strategy to grow BiTeCl single crystals. Structural characterization by means of X-ray diffraction was performed, and the high crystallinity of the material was proven. Measurements of the thermoelectrical coefficients electrical resistivity, thermoelectric power and thermal conductivity show an enhanced room temperature power factor of 20 mu W cm(-1) K-2. The high value of the figure of merit (ZT = 0.17) confirms that BiTeCl is a promising material for engineering in thermoelectric applications at low temperature. (C) 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.