3D Ink Printing and Casting of Nb_0.8Ti_0.2FeSb and Half-Heusler Thermoelectric Couples

Current manufacturing processes for inexpensive, mechanically stable, high performing p-type half-Heusler Nb_0.8Ti_0.2FeSb such as ball milling and hot pressing are unsuitable for continuous processing, geometrically limited, and require subsequent slicing and assembly steps to fabricate thermoelectric couples. Additionally, current assembly of half-Heusler couples typically relies on brazing or soldering, both of which are unsustainable for long-term use. Thus, new additive manufacturing synthesis of Nb_0.8Ti_0.2FeSb and half-Heusler couples is necessary to improve utility and eliminate the costly slicing and assembly steps. This talk will present a new procedure for ink casting of bulk Nb_0.8Ti_0.2FeSb with subsequent half-Heusler couple assembly as well as direct 3D ink printing of a complete half-Heusler thermoelectric couple. This synthesis approach utilizes polymer-based inks loaded with elemental metallic precursor powders which can be co-printed or cast at ambient temperature to produce thermoelectric legs or complete half-Heusler couples.