High temperature thermoelectric properties of rock-salt structure PbS

We present an analysis of the high temperature transport properties of rock-salt structure PbS, a sister compound to the better studied lead chalcogenides PbSe and PbTe. We find thermopower magnitudes exceeding 200 μ V / K in a wide doping range for temperatures of 800 K and above. Based on these calculations, and an analysis of recent experimental work, we find that this material has a potential for high thermoelectric performance. We also find favorable mechanical properties, based on an analysis of published data.