1
|
Volkova M, Sondors R, Spalva E, Bugovecka L, Kons A, Meija R, Andzane J. Epoxy-Encapsulated ZnO-MWCNT Hybrid Nanocomposites with Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance for Low-Grade Heat-to-Power Conversion. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4540. [PMID: 38231944 PMCID: PMC10708207 DOI: 10.3390/polym15234540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
This work is devoted to the development of epoxy-encapsulated zinc oxide-multiwalled carbon nanotubes (ZnO-MWCNT) hybrid nanostructured composites and the investigation of their thermoelectric performance in relation to the content of MWCNTs in the composite. For the preparation of nanocomposites, self-assembling Zn nanostructured networks were coated with a layer of dispersed MWCNTs and subjected to thermal oxidation. The resulting ZnO-MWCNT hybrid nanostructured networks were encapsulated in commercially available epoxy adhesive. It was found that encapsulation of ZnO-MWCNT hybrid networks in epoxy adhesive resulted in a simultaneous decrease in their electrical resistance by a factor of 20-60 and an increase in the Seebeck coefficient by a factor of 3-15, depending on the MWCNT content. As a result, the thermoelectric power factor of the epoxy-encapsulated ZnO-MWCNTs hybrid networks exceeded that of non-encapsulated networks by more than 3-4 orders of magnitude. This effect was attributed to the ZnO-epoxy interface's unique properties and to the MWCNTs' contribution. The processes underlying such a significant improvement of the properties of ZnO-MWCNT hybrid nanostructured networks after encapsulation in epoxy adhesive are discussed. In addition, a two-leg thermoelectric generator composed of epoxy-encapsulated ZnO-MWCNT hybrid nanocomposite as n-type leg and polydimethylsiloxane-encapsulated CuO-MWCNT hybrid nanocomposite as p-type leg characterized at room temperatures showed better performance at temperature difference 30 °C compared with the similar devices, thus proving the potential of the developed nanocomposites for applications in domestic waste heat conversion devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Volkova
- Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia, Raina Blvd. 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia
| | - Raitis Sondors
- Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia, Raina Blvd. 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia
| | - Elmars Spalva
- 3D Strong Ltd., Instituta Str. 36–17, LV-2130 Ulbroka, Latvia
| | - Lasma Bugovecka
- Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia, Raina Blvd. 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia
| | - Artis Kons
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Raina Blvd. 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia
| | - Raimonds Meija
- 3D Strong Ltd., Instituta Str. 36–17, LV-2130 Ulbroka, Latvia
| | - Jana Andzane
- Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia, Raina Blvd. 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bugovecka L, Buks K, Andzane J, Miezubrale AD, Bitenieks J, Zicans J, Erts D. Positive and Negative Changes in the Electrical Conductance Related to Hybrid Filler Distribution Gradient in Composite Flexible Thermoelectric Films Subjected to Bending. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1212. [PMID: 37049306 PMCID: PMC10096738 DOI: 10.3390/nano13071212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
P-type multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), as well as heterostructures fabricated by direct deposition of inorganic thermoelectric materials as antimony and bismuth chalcogenides on MWCNT networks are known as perspective materials for application in flexible thermoelectric polymer-based composites. In this work, the electrical response of three types of Sb2Te3-MWCNT heterostructures-based flexible films-free standing on a flexible substrate, encapsulated in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and mixed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is studied in comparison with the flexible films prepared by the same methods using bare MWCNTs. The electrical conductance of these films when each side of it was subsequently subjected to compressive and tensile stress during the film bending down to a 3 mm radius is investigated in relation to the distribution gradient of Sb2Te3-MWCNT heterostructures or bare MWCNTs within the film. It is found that all investigated Sb2Te3-MWCNT films exhibit a reversible increase in the conductance in response to the compressive stress of the film side with the highest filler concentration and its decrease in response to the tensile stress. In contrast, free-standing and encapsulated bare MWCNT networks with uniform distribution of nanotubes showed a decrease in the conductance irrelevant to the bending direction. In turn, the samples with the gradient distribution of the MWCNTs, prepared by mixing the MWCNTs with PVA, revealed behavior that is similar to the Sb2Te3-MWCNT heterostructures-based films. The analysis of the processes impacting the changes in the conductance of the Sb2Te3-MWCNT heterostructures and bare MWCNTs is performed. The proposed in this work bending method can be applied for the control of the uniformity of distribution of components in heterostructures and fillers in polymer-based composites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lasma Bugovecka
- Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia, Jelgavas str. 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Krisjanis Buks
- 3D Strong Ltd., Instituta Str. 36-17, LV-2130 Ulbroka, Latvia
| | - Jana Andzane
- Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia, Jelgavas str. 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Juris Bitenieks
- Institute of Polymer Materials, Riga Technical University, 3/7 Paula Valdena Street, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
| | - Janis Zicans
- Institute of Polymer Materials, Riga Technical University, 3/7 Paula Valdena Street, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
| | - Donats Erts
- Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia, Jelgavas str. 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Latvia, Raina Blvd 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
p-Type PVA/MWCNT-Sb 2Te 3 Composites for Application in Different Types of Flexible Thermoelectric Generators in Combination with n-Type PVA/MWCNT-Bi 2Se 3 Composites. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14235130. [PMID: 36501527 PMCID: PMC9738794 DOI: 10.3390/polym14235130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This work is devoted to the fabrication of p-type polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based flexible thermoelectric composites using multiwall carbon nanotubes-antimony telluride (MWCNT-Sb2Te3) hybrid filler, the study of the thermoelectrical and mechanical properties of these composites, and the application of these composites in two types (planar and radial) of thermoelectric generators (TEG) in combination with the previously reported PVA/MWCNT-Bi2Se3 flexible thermoelectric composites. While the power factors of PVA/MWCNT-Sb2Te3 and PVA/MWCNT-Bi2Se3 composites with 15 wt.% filler were found to be similar, the PVA/MWCNT-Sb2Te3 composite with 25 wt.% filler showed a ~2 times higher power factor in comparison with the PVA/MWCNT-Bi2Se3 composites with 30 wt.% filler, which is attributed to its reduced electrical resistivity. In addition, developed PVA/MWCNT-Sb2Te3 composites showed a superior mechanical, electrical, and thermoelectric stability during 100 consequent bending cycles down to a 3 mm radius, with insignificant fluctuations of the resistance within 0.01% of the initial resistance value of the not bent sample. Demonstrated for the first time, 2-leg TEGs composed from p-type PVA/MWCNT-Sb2Te3 and n-type PVA/MWCNT-Bi2Se3 composites showed a stable performance under different external loads and showed their potential for applications involving low temperature gradients and power requirements in the range of nW.
Collapse
|
4
|
Mallick MM, Franke L, Rösch AG, Geßwein H, Long Z, Eggeler YM, Lemmer U. High Figure-of-Merit Telluride-Based Flexible Thermoelectric Films through Interfacial Modification via Millisecond Photonic-Curing for Fully Printed Thermoelectric Generators. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2202411. [PMID: 36106362 PMCID: PMC9631075 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202202411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The thermoelectric generator (TEG) shows great promise for energy harvesting and waste heat recovery applications. Cost barriers for this technology could be overcome by using printing technologies. However, the development of thermoelectric (TE) materials that combine printability, high-efficiency, and mechanical flexibility is a serious challenge. Here, flexible (SbBi)2 (TeSe)3 -based screen-printed TE films exhibiting record-high figure of merits (ZT) and power factors are reported. A high power factor of 24 µW cm-1 K-2 (ZTmax ≈ 1.45) for a p-type film and a power factor of 10.5 µW cm-1 K-2 (ZTmax ≈ 0.75) for an n-type film are achieved. The TE inks, comprised of p-Bi0.5 Sb1.5 Te3 (BST)/n-Bi2 Te2.7 Se0.3 (BT) and a Cu-Se-based inorganic binder (IB), are prepared by a one-pot synthesis process. The TE inks are printed on different substrates and sintered using photonic-curing leading to the formation of a highly conducting β-Cu2- δ Se phase that connects "microsolders," the grains resulting in high-performance. Folded TEGs (f-TEGs) are fabricated using the materials. A half-millimeter thick f-TEG exhibits an open-circuit voltage (VOC ) of 203 mV with a maximum power density (pmax ) of 5.1 W m-2 at ∆T = 68 K. This result signifies that a few millimeters thick f-TEG could power Internet-of-Things (IoTs) devices converting low-grade heat to electricity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Mofasser Mallick
- Light Technology InstituteKarlsruhe Institute of Technology76131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Leonard Franke
- Light Technology InstituteKarlsruhe Institute of Technology76131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Andres Georg Rösch
- Light Technology InstituteKarlsruhe Institute of Technology76131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Holger Geßwein
- Institute for Applied MaterialsKarlsruhe Institute of Technology76344Eggenstein‐LeopoldshafenGermany
| | - Zhongmin Long
- Laboratory for Electron MicroscopyKarlsruhe Institute of Technology76131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Yolita M. Eggeler
- Laboratory for Electron MicroscopyKarlsruhe Institute of Technology76131KarlsruheGermany
| | - Uli Lemmer
- Light Technology InstituteKarlsruhe Institute of Technology76131KarlsruheGermany
- Institute of Microstructure TechnologyKarlsruhe Institute of Technology76344Eggenstein‐LeopoldshafenGermany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Recent Advances in Materials for Wearable Thermoelectric Generators and Biosensing Devices. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15124315. [PMID: 35744374 PMCID: PMC9230808 DOI: 10.3390/ma15124315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Recently, self-powered health monitoring systems using a wearable thermoelectric generator (WTEG) have been rapidly developed since no battery is needed for continuous signal monitoring, and there is no need to worry about battery leakage. However, the existing materials and devices have limitations in rigid form factors and small-scale manufacturing. Moreover, the conventional bulky WTEG is not compatible with soft and deformable tissues, including human skins or internal organs. These limitations restrict the WTEG from stabilizing the thermoelectric gradient that is necessary to harvest the maximum body heat and generate valuable electrical energy. This paper summarizes recent advances in soft, flexible materials and device designs to overcome the existing challenges. Specifically, we discuss various organic and inorganic thermoelectric materials with their properties for manufacturing flexible devices. In addition, this review discusses energy budgets required for effective integration of WTEGs with wearable biomedical systems, which is the main contribution of this article compared to previous articles. Lastly, the key challenges of the existing WTEGs are discussed, followed by describing future perspectives for self-powered health monitoring systems.
Collapse
|
6
|
Guo J, Wang Y, Zhang H, Zhao Y. Conductive Materials with Elaborate Micro/Nanostructures for Bioelectronics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2110024. [PMID: 35081264 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202110024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectronics, an emerging field with the mutual penetration of biological systems and electronic sciences, allows the quantitative analysis of complicated biosignals together with the dynamic regulation of fateful biological functions. In this area, the development of conductive materials with elaborate micro/nanostructures has been of great significance to the improvement of high-performance bioelectronic devices. Thus, here, a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of relevant research studies on the fabrication and properties of conductive materials with micro/nanostructures and their promising applications and future opportunities in bioelectronic applications is presented. In addition, a critical analysis of the current opportunities and challenges regarding the future developments of conductive materials with elaborate micro/nanostructures for bioelectronic applications is also presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Guo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325001, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100101, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Burton M, Howells G, Atoyo J, Carnie M. Printed Thermoelectrics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2108183. [PMID: 35080059 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202108183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The looming impact of climate change and the diminishing supply of fossil fuels both highlight the need for a transition to more sustainable energy sources. While solar and wind can produce much of the energy needed, to meet all our energy demands there is a need for a diverse sustainable energy generation mix. Thermoelectrics can play a vital role in this, by harvesting otherwise wasted heat energy and converting it into useful electrical energy. While efficient thermoelectric materials have been known since the 1950s, thermoelectrics have not been utilized beyond a few niche applications. This can in part be attributed to the high cost of manufacturing and the geometrical restraints of current commercial manufacturing techniques. Printing offers a potential route to manufacture thermoelectric materials at a lower price point and allows for the fabrication of generators that are custom built to meet the waste heat source requirements. This review details the significant progress that has been made in recent years in printing of thermoelectric materials in all thermoelectric material groups and printing methods, and highlights very recent publications that show printing can now offer comparable performance to commercially manufactured thermoelectric materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Burton
- SPECIFIC, Materials Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea, SA1 8EN, UK
| | - Geraint Howells
- M2A, Materials Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea, SA1 8EN, UK
| | - Jonathan Atoyo
- M2A, Materials Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea, SA1 8EN, UK
| | - Matthew Carnie
- SPECIFIC, Materials Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea, SA1 8EN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Effect of L-Ascorbic Acid Solution Concentration on the Thermoelectric Properties of Silver Selenide Flexible Films Prepared by Vacuum-Assisted Filtration. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12040624. [PMID: 35214950 PMCID: PMC8879170 DOI: 10.3390/nano12040624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there are several thermoelectric materials, such as Ag2Te, Bi2Te3, and Sb2Te3, that have been investigated for thermoelectric applications. However, the toxicity and rarity of most of these materials make them unsuitable for practical applications. In contrast, silver selenide (Ag2Se) is an abundant and environment-friendly thermoelectric material. This study provides a facile synthetic approach for preparing high-performance, low-cost, and flexible Ag2Se thermoelectric films. Ag2Se nanomaterials were prepared based on the chemical template method, and the reaction solution concentration was varied to systematically investigate the effects of reaction solution concentration on the characterization and thermoelectric properties of Ag2Se nanomaterials. For convenience of testing, the flexible Ag2Se films were prepared on porous nylon membranes using vacuum-assisted filtration. The prepared thermoelectric films were tested using an X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, Seebeck coefficient tester, and Hall tester. The film prepared from the solution with the lowest concentration (18.0 mM) demonstrated the best thermoelectric performance, with a maximum power factor of 382.18 μW∙m−1∙K−2 at ~400 K. Additionally, a cold-pressing treatment could effectively enhance the electrical conductivity of the film, without damaging the substrate, as the conductivity of the film remained at 90% of the original value after 1500 bending cycles.
Collapse
|
9
|
Wei Y, Zhou H, Deng H, Ji W, Tian K, Ma Z, Zhang K, Fu Q. "Toolbox" for the Processing of Functional Polymer Composites. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2021; 14:35. [PMID: 34918192 PMCID: PMC8677876 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-021-00774-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The processing methods of functional polymer composites (FPCs) are systematically summarized in “Toolbox”. The relationship of processing method-structure-property is discussed and the selection and combination of tools in processing among different FPCs are analyzed. A promising prospect is provided regarding the design principle for high performance FPCs for further investigation. ABSTRACT Functional polymer composites (FPCs) have attracted increasing attention in recent decades due to their great potential in delivering a wide range of functionalities. These functionalities are largely determined by functional fillers and their network morphology in polymer matrix. In recent years, a large number of studies on morphology control and interfacial modification have been reported, where numerous preparation methods and exciting performance of FPCs have been reported. Despite the fact that these FPCs have many similarities because they are all consisting of functional inorganic fillers and polymer matrices, review on the overall progress of FPCs is still missing, and especially the overall processing strategy for these composites is urgently needed. Herein, a “Toolbox” for the processing of FPCs is proposed to summarize and analyze the overall processing strategies and corresponding morphology evolution for FPCs. From this perspective, the morphological control methods already utilized for various FPCs are systematically reviewed, so that guidelines or even predictions on the processing strategies of various FPCs as well as multi-functional polymer composites could be given. This review should be able to provide interesting insights for the field of FPCs and boost future intelligent design of various FPCs. [Image: see text] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40820-021-00774-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wei
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongju Zhou
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Deng
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenjing Ji
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Tian
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuyu Ma
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaiyi Zhang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Fu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bitenieks J, Buks K, Merijs-Meri R, Andzane J, Ivanova T, Bugovecka L, Voikiva V, Zicans J, Erts D. Flexible N-Type Thermoelectric Composites Based on Non-Conductive Polymer with Innovative Bi 2Se 3-CNT Hybrid Nanostructured Filler. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13234264. [PMID: 34883767 PMCID: PMC8659493 DOI: 10.3390/polym13234264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
This research is devoted to the fabrication of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) based n-type thermoelectric composites with innovative hybrid bismuth selenide-multiwalled carbon nanotube (Bi2Se3-MWCNT) fillers for application in flexible thermoelectric devices. Hybrid fillers were synthesized by direct deposition of Bi2Se3 on multiwalled carbon nanotubes using a physical vapor deposition method, thus ensuring direct electrical contact between the carbon nanotubes and Bi2Se3. The Seebeck coefficient of prepared PVOH/Bi2Se3-MWCNT composites was found to be comparable with that for the Bi2Se3 thin films, reaching -100 µV·K-1 for the composite with 30 wt.% filler, and fluctuations of the resistance of these composites did not exceed 1% during 100 repetitive bending cycles down to 10 mm radius, indicating the good mechanical durability of these composites and proving their high potential for application in flexible thermoelectrics. In addition, other properties of the fabricated composites that are important for the use of polymer-based materials such as thermal stability, storage modulus and linear coefficient of thermal expansion were found to be improved in comparison with the neat PVOH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juris Bitenieks
- Institute of Polymer Materials, Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia; (J.B.); (R.M.-M.); (T.I.); (J.Z.)
| | - Krisjanis Buks
- Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia; (K.B.); (J.A.); (L.B.); (V.V.)
| | - Remo Merijs-Meri
- Institute of Polymer Materials, Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia; (J.B.); (R.M.-M.); (T.I.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jana Andzane
- Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia; (K.B.); (J.A.); (L.B.); (V.V.)
| | - Tatjana Ivanova
- Institute of Polymer Materials, Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia; (J.B.); (R.M.-M.); (T.I.); (J.Z.)
| | - Lasma Bugovecka
- Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia; (K.B.); (J.A.); (L.B.); (V.V.)
| | - Vanda Voikiva
- Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia; (K.B.); (J.A.); (L.B.); (V.V.)
| | - Janis Zicans
- Institute of Polymer Materials, Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia; (J.B.); (R.M.-M.); (T.I.); (J.Z.)
| | - Donats Erts
- Institute of Chemical Physics, University of Latvia, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia; (K.B.); (J.A.); (L.B.); (V.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +371-67033936
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu D, Zhao Y, Yan Z, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Shi P, Xue C. Screen-Printed Flexible Thermoelectric Device Based on Hybrid Silver Selenide/PVP Composite Films. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:2042. [PMID: 34443872 PMCID: PMC8401139 DOI: 10.3390/nano11082042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the preparation of flexible thermoelectric generators by screen printing has attracted wide attention due to easy processing and high-volume production. In this work, we propose an n-type Ag2Se/polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) film based on screen printing and investigate the effect of PVP on thermoelectric performance by varying the ratio of PVP. When the content ratio of Ag2Se to PVP is 30:1, i.e., PI30, the fabricated PI30 film has the best thermoelectric property. The maximum power factor (PF) of the PI30 is 4.3 μW·m-1·K-2, and conductivity reaches 81% of its initial value at 1500 bending cycles. Then, the film thermoelectric generator (F-TEG) fabricated by PI30 is tested for practical application; the output voltage and the maximum output power are 21.6 mV and 233.3 nW at the temperature difference of 40 K, respectively. This work demonstrates that the use of PVP combined with screen printing to prepare F-TEG is a simple and rapid method, which provides an efficient preparation solution for the development of environmentally friendly and wearable flexible thermoelectric devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement, Ministry of Education, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yaxin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement, Ministry of Education, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Zhuqing Yan
- Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement, Ministry of Education, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Zhidong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement, Ministry of Education, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement, Ministry of Education, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Peng Shi
- Electronic Materials Research Laboratory, Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education and International Center for Dielectric Research, School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China;
| | - Chenyang Xue
- Key Laboratory of Instrumentation Science and Dynamic Measurement, Ministry of Education, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China; (Y.Z.); (Z.Y.); (Z.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vieira EMF, Silva JPB, Veltruská K, Istrate CM, Lenzi V, Trifiletti V, Lorenzi B, Matolín V, Ghica C, Marques L, Fenwick O, Goncalves LM. All-Oxide p-n Junction Thermoelectric Generator Based on SnO x and ZnO Thin Films. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:35187-35196. [PMID: 34254775 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c09748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Achieving thermoelectric devices with high performance based on low-cost and nontoxic materials is extremely challenging. Moreover, as we move toward an Internet-of-Things society, a miniaturized local power source such as a thermoelectric generator (TEG) is desired to power increasing numbers of wireless sensors. Therefore, in this work, an all-oxide p-n junction TEG composed of low-cost, abundant, and nontoxic materials, such as n-type ZnO and p-type SnOx thin films, deposited on borosilicate glass substrate is proposed. A type II heterojunction between SnOx and ZnO films was predicted by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and confirmed experimentally by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Moreover, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) show a sharp interface between the SnOx and ZnO layers, confirming the high quality of the p-n junction even after annealing at 523 K. ZnO and SnOx thin films exhibit Seebeck coefficients (α) of ∼121 and ∼258 μV/K, respectively, at 298 K, resulting in power factors (PF) of 180 μW/m K2 (for ZnO) and 37 μW/m K2 (for SnOx). Moreover, the thermal conductivities of ZnO and SnOx films are 8.7 and 1.24 W/m K, respectively, at 298 K, with no significant changes until 575 K. The four pairs all-oxide TEG generated a maximum power output (Pout) of 1.8 nW (≈126 μW/cm2) at a temperature difference of 160 K. The output voltage (Vout) and output current (Iout) at the maximum power output of the TEG are 124 mV and 0.0146 μA, respectively. This work paves the way for achieving a high-performance TEG device based on oxide thin films.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliana M F Vieira
- CMEMS-UMINHO, Universidade do Minho, Campus Azurem, 4804-533 Guimaraes, Portugal
| | - José P B Silva
- Centro de Física das Universidades do Minho e do Porto (CF-UM-UP), Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Kateřina Veltruská
- Department of Surface and Plasma Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, V Holešovičkách 2, 18000 Prague 8, Czech Republic
| | - Cosmin M Istrate
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 105 bis Atomistilor, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Veniero Lenzi
- Centro de Física das Universidades do Minho e do Porto (CF-UM-UP), Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Vanira Trifiletti
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, U.K
| | - Bruno Lorenzi
- Department of Materials Science, University of Milano-Bicocca, via R. Cozzi 55, I-20125 Milano, Italy
| | - Vladimír Matolín
- Department of Surface and Plasma Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, V Holešovičkách 2, 18000 Prague 8, Czech Republic
| | - Corneliu Ghica
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 105 bis Atomistilor, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Luis Marques
- Centro de Física das Universidades do Minho e do Porto (CF-UM-UP), Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Oliver Fenwick
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, U.K
| | - Luis M Goncalves
- CMEMS-UMINHO, Universidade do Minho, Campus Azurem, 4804-533 Guimaraes, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen X, Feng L, Yu P, Liu C, Lan J, Lin YH, Yang X. Flexible Thermoelectric Films Based on Bi 2Te 3 Nanosheets and Carbon Nanotube Network with High n-Type Performance. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:5451-5459. [PMID: 33470114 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c21396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Flexible thermoelectric materials and devices have gained wide attention due to their capability to stably and directly convert body heat or industrial waste heat into electric energy. Many research and synthetic methods of flexible high-performance p-type thermoelectric materials have made great progress. However, their counterpart flexible n-type organic thermoelectric materials are seldom studied due to the complex synthesis of conductive polymer and poor stability of n-type materials. In this work, bismuth tellurium (Bi2Te3) nanosheets are in situ grown on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) assisted by poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). A series of flexible SWCNTs@Bi2Te3 composite films on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes are obtained by vacuum-assisted filtration. The high electrical conductivity of 253.9 S/cm, and a corresponding power factor (PF) of 57.8 μW/m·K2 is obtained at 386 K for SWCNTs@Bi2Te3-0.8 film. Moreover, high electrical conductivity retention of 90% can be maintained after a 300-cycle bending test and no obvious attenuation can be detected after being stored in an Ar atmosphere for 9 months, which exhibits good flexibility and excellent stability of the SWCNTs@Bi2Te3 composite films. This work shows a convenient method to fabricate n-type and flexible thermoelectric composite film and further promotes the practical application of n-type flexible thermoelectric materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Linan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Penglu Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Chan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Jinle Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Yuan-Hua Lin
- State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoping Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Teixeira JS, Costa RS, Pires AL, Pereira AM, Pereira C. Hybrid dual-function thermal energy harvesting and storage technologies: towards self-chargeable flexible/wearable devices. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:9983-10013. [PMID: 34264261 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt01568k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The worldwide energy scarcity arising from the massive consumption of nonrenewable energy sources raised a global awareness of the need for cleaner and affordable energy solutions to mitigate climate change and ensure the world sustainable development. The rise of the Internet of Things and the fast growth of the groundbreaking market of wearable electronics boosted a major quest for self-powered technologies merging energy harvesting and energy storage functionalities to meet the demands of a myriad of market segments, such as healthcare, transportation, defense and sports. Thermoelectric devices are a green energy harvesting solution for wearable electronics since they harness the low-grade waste heat from ubiquitous thermal energy sources and convert it into electrical energy. However, these systems generate electrical energy in an intermittent manner, depend on the local heat release availability and require an additional unit to store energy. Flexible and wearable supercapacitors are a safe and eco-friendly energy storage solution to power wearables, offering advantages of security, longer cycle life, higher power density and faster charging over batteries. However, an additional unit that generates energy or that is able to charge the storage device is required. More recently, a new class of all-in-one thermally-chargeable supercapacitors blossomed to meet the requirements of the next generation of autonomous wearable electronics and ensure an endurable energy supply. This self-chargeable hybrid technology combines the functionalities of thermal energy harvesting and supercapacitive energy storage in a single multitasking device. In this Perspective, the advances in the burgeoning field of all-in-one thermally-chargeable supercapacitors for flexible/wearable applications will be critically examined, ranging from their structure and working principle to the rational design of the composing materials and of tailor-made architectures. It will start by introducing the foundations of single flexible/wearable thermoelectric generators and supercapacitors and will evolve into the pioneering venture of fully-integrated thermal energy harvesting/storage systems. It will end by highlighting the current bottlenecks and future pathways for advancing the development of this sophisticated smart technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joana S Teixeira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal. and IFIMUP - Instituto de Física de Materiais Avançados, Nanotecnologia e Fotónica, Departamento de Física e Astronomia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui S Costa
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal. and IFIMUP - Instituto de Física de Materiais Avançados, Nanotecnologia e Fotónica, Departamento de Física e Astronomia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana L Pires
- IFIMUP - Instituto de Física de Materiais Avançados, Nanotecnologia e Fotónica, Departamento de Física e Astronomia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - André M Pereira
- IFIMUP - Instituto de Física de Materiais Avançados, Nanotecnologia e Fotónica, Departamento de Física e Astronomia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Clara Pereira
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Feng J, Zhu W, Zhang Z, Cao L, Yu Y, Deng Y. Enhanced Electrical Transport Properties via Defect Control for Screen-Printed Bi 2Te 3 Films over a Wide Temperature Range. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:16630-16638. [PMID: 32196301 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c01049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The application of screen-printed thin-film thermoelectric (TE) devices is still in its infancy, mainly due to low TE performance of screen-printed films and especially the poor electrical transport properties. Herein, we design and prepare a high-performance screen-printed Bi2Te3 film through introducing excessive Te-based nanosolder (Te-NS) to simultaneously realize the conduction channel construction and defect control. On one hand, the promoted carrier migration makes the electrical conductivity dramatically rise about 7 times, with a maximum power factor of 4.65 μW cm -1 K -2. Meanwhile, the defect formation mechanism in the screen-printed Bi2Te3 film after the introduction of Te-NS is also in-depth studied, and the bipolar conduction is reduced by increased generation of TeBi• and/or more suppression of BiTe', resulting in a postponed temperature of the maximum Seebeck coefficient. Hence, the large engineering power factor is achieved with excellent temperature linearity, indicating a possibility of screen-printed film application in a large temperature region. A TE device with a single leg has been fabricated to further demonstrate the generation validity. An open-circuit voltage of 11.34 mV and a maximum output power of 27.1 μW at a temperature gradient of 105 K have been achieved over a wide temperature range from 303 to 478 K. This study provides a theoretical and practical basis for the performance improvement of screen-printed TE films and devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- AECC Aero Engine Academy of China, Beijing 101304, China
| | - Lili Cao
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Optoelectronic Measurement Technology and Instrument, Beijing Information Science and Technology University, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yuedong Yu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuan Deng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Modulating Carrier Type for Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Polyethyleneimine Composites. Polymers (Basel) 2019; 11:polym11081295. [PMID: 31382416 PMCID: PMC6723296 DOI: 10.3390/polym11081295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermoelectric (TE) generators consisting of flexible and lightweight p- and n-type single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)-based composites have potential applications in powering wearable electronics using the temperature difference between the human body and the environment. Tuning the TE properties of SWCNTs, particularly p- versus n-type control, is currently of significant interest. Herein, the TE properties of SWCNT-based flexible films consisting of SWCNTs doped with polyethyleneimine (PEI) were evaluated. The carrier type of the SWCNT/PEI composites was modulated by regulating the proportion of SWCNTs and PEI using simple mixing techniques. The as-prepared SWCNT/PEI composite films were switched from p- to n-type by the addition of a high amount of PEI (>13.0 wt.%). Moreover, interconnected SWCNTs networks were formed due to the excellent SWNT dispersion and film formation. These parameters were improved by the addition of PEI and Nafion, which facilitated effective carrier transport. A TE generator with three thermocouples of p- and n-type SWCNT/PEI flexible composite films delivered an open circuit voltage of 17 mV and a maximum output power of 224 nW at the temperature gradient of 50 K. These promising results showed that the flexible SWCNT/PEI composites have potential applications in wearable and autonomous devices.
Collapse
|