Effect of Hydrogen on Absolute Thermoelectric Power of Powders

Abstract

The effect of hydrogen adsorption by Pt, Ni, Fe, Ag, and Сu powders and carbon nanotubes on their absolute thermoelectric power (adsorption thermoelectric effect) and other properties is studied. The absolute thermoelectric power E_p of the powder is lower than E_b, of the bulk material (wire, foil) resulting from tunneling of charge carriers (electrons, holes) j through gaps between powder particles. The adsorption thermoelectric effect gives rise to increasing E_p in the series: carbon nanotubes, Сu, Ag, Fe, Ni, Pt. The higher the E_p of iron powder, the larger the rupture strength of the associated bulk material. The adsorption thermoelectric effect is recommended for quick quality check of the powder prior to pressing.