The Effect of Substitution for La by Ba on the Thermoelectric Property of Rare Earth Chalcogenide La₃S₄

Abstract

The effect of substitution for La by Ba on the thermoelectric property of rare earth chalcogenide La₃S₄ was examined. Cubic γ-phase (Th₃P₄-type) was obtained in the range of 0≤y≤1 in La₃-yBa_yS₄. The lattice parameter (a), electrical resistivity (r) and thermoelectric power (α) of La₃-yBa_yS₄ increase with an increase of Ba content y. Power factor α₂/r shows a maximum value at y=0.6. It seems that there is the most suitable value of y for the power factor.