LOW-TEMPERATURE TRANSPORT-PROPERTIES OF THE MIXED-VALENCE SEMICONDUCTOR RU0.5PD0.5SB3

We have measured the transport properties of Ru0.5Pd0.5Sb3 from 300 do wn to 4 K and compared them to those of the binary-skutterudite antimo nides. In particular, the lattice thermal conductivity of this compoun d is substantially lower than that of CoSb3 and IrSb3. This is attribu ted to the mixed-valency of ruthenium in this compound. Using near-edg e extended absorption fine structure analysis, it is observed that rut henium in this compound is in the RU(4+)- and Ru2+-valence states in a pproximately equal proportions. The potential for thermoelectric appli cations of this material is also discussed. (C) 1996 American Institut e of Physics.