Leaf-Inspired Flexible Thermoelectric Generators with High Temperature Difference Utilization Ratio and Output Power in Ambient Air.

ABSTRACT: The inherently small temperature difference in air environment restricts the applications of thermoelectric generation in the field of Internet of Things and wearable electronics. Here, a leaf-inspired flexible thermoelectric generator (leaf-TEG) that makes maximum use of temperature difference by vertically aligning poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate and constantan thin films is demonstrated. Analytical formulae of the performance scales, i.e., temperature difference utilization ratio (φ _th) and maximum output power (P _max), are derived to optimize the leaf-TEG dimensions. In an air duct (substrate: 36 °C, air: 6 °C, air flowing: 1 m s^-1), the 10-leaf-TEG shows a φ _th of 73% and P _max of 0.38 µW per leaf. A proof-of-concept wearable 100-leaf-TEG (60 cm²) generates 11 µW on an arm at room temperature. Furthermore, the leaf-TEG is flexible and durable that is confirmed by bending and brushing over 1000 times. The proposed leaf-TEG is very appropriate for air convection scenarios with limited temperature differences.

SUBMITTER: Zhou Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8224459 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature