Thermoelectric power in pure and CaO-doped ThO2 electrolytes

The Seebeck coefficient of pure and CaO-doped ThO2 thermoelectric cells was measured at three oxygen partial pressures (10 to the -0.7, 10 to the -5th, and 10 to the -23rd). The necessary temperature gradients up to 15 C were created in the cylindrical specimen by supplying a dc voltage to a platinum rod over the alumina pressing rod just above the specimen surface. The sign of the Seebeck coefficient, as determined from the polarity of the cold end of the specimen, was positive, indicating that the electron holes are the charge carriers.