Magnetically tuned thermoelectric behavior of Zn-doped magnetite nanofluids

In the present work, magneto thermoelectric behavior of the Zn-doped magnetite nanofluids is reported. Thermal and electrical conductivity studies have been done, compared and determined to be in line with the theoretical models. Thermoelectric voltage measurements have been carried out in the fluid samples for quite a number of temperature differences at various magnetic fields, and the Seebeck coefficient is calculated from the obtained measurements. It is observed that the fluid samples, which includes magnetite nanoparticle with zinc dopant concentration x = 0.2 shows better enhancement in electrical conductivity, mild enhancement in thermal conductivity and higher Seebeck coefficient value among all the samples. Also, a higher enhancement of 26% is observed in the Seebeck coefficient value of the same sample with an application of 770 G magnetic field. Hence, this is identified as a potential candidate for energy harvesting purposes such as thermoelectric generators in automobile systems, industries and etc. (paper)