THERMOELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF R(X)CE(1-X)PD(3) (R=Y, LA0.5Y0.5, ND)

The intermediate valent compound CePd3 has an unusually large thermoel ectric power (from 100 to 300 K), which is interesting from the perspe ctive of thermoelectric cooling devices. To optimize the thermoelectri c properties, we have investigated rare-earth-substituted samples of t he form R(x)Ce(1-x)Pd(3) where R=Y, La0.5Y0.5, and Nd. We have found t hat the intermediate valent state is highly dependent on the nature of the rare-earth dopant, and in particular to any local strains or bond distance changes. With Nd dilution, a small enhancement of the thermo electric power factor alpha(2)/rho is observed.