Developing a thermoelectric generator(TEG) with shape conformable geometry for sustaining low-thermal impedance and large temperature gradient (∆ ) is fundamental for wearable and multi-scale energy harvesting applications. Here we demonstrate a flexible architectural design, with efficient thin film thermoelectric generator as a solution for this problem. This approach not only decreases the thermal impedance but also multiplies the temperature gradient, thereby increasing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) as comparable to bulk TEG. Intact thin films of Tin telluride (p-type) and Lead Telluride (n-type) are deposited on flexible substrate through physical vapor deposition and a thermoelectric module possessing a maximum output power density of 8.4mW/cm 2 is fabricated. We have demonstrated the performance of p-SnTe/n-PbTe based TEG as a flexible wearable power source for electronic gadgets, as a thermal touch sensor for real-time switching and temperature monitoring for exoskeleton applications.
A hierarchical layered architecture in thermoelectric materials works as an ad hoc methodology for strengthening the unique inherent properties. Herein, an excellent thermoelectric behavior in novel 2D copper iodide nanoflakes is demonstrated by compositing with Ti3C2 MXene nanoinclusions. The interlaced architecture of the CuI/Ti3C2 composite lifts the electrical conductivity over two orders by efficient charge transport mechanisms. The thermal conductivity of CuI/Ti3C2 composite is reduced by drastic suppression of mid‐ and high‐frequency phonons by interfacial energy barrier scattering. The structural engineering approach yields a massive power factor of 225 μW m−1 K−2 and a figure of merit value of 0.48 in CuI/5 vol% Ti3C2 composite. A straightforward approach of tuning the figure of merit in Earth‐abundant, nontoxic thermoelectric materials to develop future sustainable energy sources is established.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.