Facile synthesis of thermoelectric films via spin-coating metastable precursors

In this paper, we reported on a novel, simple, and cost-effective chemical route to fabrication of thermoelectric films, such as Bi, PbTe, and Bi2Te3. The films were prepared by spinning coating corresponding metastable precursor solutions, using TeO2 and/or metallic salt as the starting materials, and KBH4 as reductant. The phase structure and morphology of the films were characterized by X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The formation mechanisms of the films were proposed. The electrical conductivity of the films was measured at room temperature.