METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF THERMOELECTRIC ELEMENT Russian patent published in 2016 - IPC H01L35/34 

FIELD: energy.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to thermoelectric energy conversion and can be used in production of thermoelectric coolers and generators. Core: the method of producing a thermoelectric element includes preparation of the upper and the lower faces of the thermoelement branches, creating a system of contact layers between the faces of the thermoelement branches and switching buses. System of contact layers is formed from a multi-component alloy A-B-C. Component A includes at least one metal of the second subgroup of the first and the eighth group of the periodic table and alloys in between, for example, Co, Ni, Fe, Pb. Component B includes elements of the second subgroup of the fourth, the fifth and the sixth groups, for example, Ti, Zr, Ta, Nb. Component C includes nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, boron. Heat treatment is performed either in vacuum or in an inert atmosphere. As the result on the faces of the branches a multilayer structure is formed. Components B and C interact with each other and form a diffusion-barrier layer. Component A generates a low-ohmic contact layer on the boundary with the semiconductor branch and catalyzes the growth of a nanostructured material on the diffusion-barrier layer, on which by chemical deposition from a gas phase the nanostructured material is grown. Free space in it is filled with metals with high electric conductivity that causes formation of a composite conducting material. Subsequent switching of branches of n- and p-types is performed by means of the switching buses by permanent connection.

EFFECT: technical result is higher adhesion of the contact system, reduced resistance of the ohmic contact to the semiconductor material of the thermal element, creation of an obstacle to interaction between layers of the contact system and interaction of the contact system and the semiconductor material of the thermoelectric element at high temperatures, higher mechanical strength, reliability and efficiency of the thermoelectric element.

9 cl, 5 dwg