Metal Distributions, Efficient n-Type Doping, and Evidence for in-Gap States in TiNiM_<i>y</i>Sn (M = Co, Ni, Cu) half-Heusler Nanocomposites

XNi1+ySn nanocomposites consisting of a XNiSn half-Heusler (HH) matrix with segregated XNi2Sn Full Heusler (FH) inclusions promise improvements in thermoelectric efficiencies. We extend recent research by reporting on TiNiMySn (0 ≤ y ≤ 1) nanocomposites with M = Co (3d9), Ni (3d10) and Cu (3d104s1). Neutron powder diffraction reveals that the Ni and Cu series produce a matrix of TiNiSn with nanosegregated TiNi2Sn and TiNi1+dCu1–dSn, respectively. For the Co series, the Co inserts into both phases to obtain a TiNi1–yCoySn matrix with nanosegregated TiNi2–yCoySn. Systematic changes in Seebeck coefficient (S) and electrical resistivity (ρ) are observed in all three series. For M = Ni, changes in S and ρ are attributed to in-gap states arising from the nanosegregation. The M = Co composites show a complex interplay between the hole doped TiNi1–yCoySn matrix and similar in-gap states, where the p- to n-type transition temperature increases but the maximum S remains unchanged at +30 μV K–1. The 4s1 electron for M = Cu is delocalized in the HH matrix, leading to metal-like ρ(T) and up to 100% improved thermoelectric power factors compared to TiNiSn (S2/ρ = 2 mW m–1 K–2 at 600–700 K for y = 0.025). These results broaden the range of segregated FH phases that could be used to enhance HH thermoelectric performance

Wine Tourism: A Serious Leisure Approach

Today wine tourism is emerging as an important component of rural diversification in North Carolina. Using Stebbins’ (1992) model of serious leisure as a guideline, the purpose of this study is to explore how wine tourism may be viewed as a type of serious leisure and to suggest a conceptual approach to the study of wine consumers in order to develop effective wine marketing strategies for local wineries in North Carolina. In addition, this study suggests an approach that small North Carolina wineries might use to identify various types of winery visitors and better position their products

An Empirical Investigation Of The Concept Of Consumer Service Satisfaction: A Tricomponent Model

The concept of consumer satisfaction has been heavily researched with little agreement on its proper measurement. A tricomponent model is offered which is simple, robust, easily administered, and understandable to marketing managers

PCBs: Old Chemicals Present New Challenges

2014 S.C. Water Resources Conference - Informing Strategic Water Planning to Address Natural Resource, Community and Economic Challenge

Product Analytics Based On Demographic Democratization

Product analytics is a blend of computational methods with the express purpose of facilitating the multifaceted process of decision-making based on demographic and consumer preferences.  This complex subject is derived from consensus theory and includes structured analytics, categories, and the combination of evidence.  The methodology is applicable to a wide range of business, economic, social, political, and strategic decisions.  The paper describes a product allocation application to demonstrate the concepts

Library Discussion Panel Part I

Interview 1. The Library Interview Series is a set of interviews with a variety of personnel involved with the planning and building of the new Jerry Falwell Library building. The building’s history and planning are discussed as well as the history of the library in general. The recordings were made just before the opening of the new building in early 2014. Lowell Walters; Carl Merat; Abigail Sattler; Greg Smit