Thermoelectric fabrics: toward power generating clothing.

ABSTRACT: Herein, we demonstrate that a flexible, air-permeable, thermoelectric (TE) power generator can be prepared by applying a TE polymer (e.g. poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate)) coated commercial fabric and subsequently by linking the coated strips with a conductive connection (e.g. using fine metal wires). The poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) coated fabric shows very stable TE properties from 300?K to 390?K. The fabric device can generate a TE voltage output (V) of 4.3?mV at a temperature difference (?T) of 75.2?K. The potential for using fabric TE devices to harvest body temperature energy has been discussed. Fabric-based TE devices may be useful for the development of new power generating clothing and self-powered wearable electronics.

SUBMITTER: Du Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4372730 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature