Organic Thermoelectric Devices for Energy Harvesting and Sensing Applications

Abstract

The rise of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things have spurred an increasing demand for wearable, sustainable, and maintenance‐free power sources. Organic thermoelectric (OTE) devices are emerged as promising candidates because they are capable of converting heat energy into electricity directly without the need of moving parts, capable of flexible and seamless integration with multifunctional miniaturized electronics. In addition, OTE devices can perform straightforward as various self‐powered sensors, boosting their applications in the field of intelligent interactions. This review focuses on recent advances in OTE materials and devices for applications in energy harvesting and sensing. The basic knowledge and key parameters of OTE materials and devices are presented, followed by detailed introduction of recent progress of OTE generators, sensors, and other OTE‐integrated devices. Next, several aspects of optimizing OTE devices toward multifunctional applications are highlighted. Finally, an overview of the current challenges and future research directions of OTE‐based devices is addressed. It is hoped that this review can pave the way for speeding up a bright future for the development and practical applications of OTE devices.

Future Trends in Alternative Sustainable Materials for Low-Temperature Thermoelectric Applications

“…Despite not being able to achieve zT values as high as those of traditionally used materials, most of these materials are based on abundant/cheap and environmentally friendly elements, some can be printable, and they can operate under mechanical strain, offering a potential future alternative to polymeric and carbon-based thermoelectrics in the development of flexible TEGs. Many reviews have already addressed the TE performance and applications of polymers, carbon-based materials, and their composites. ,− This review is different because it focuses on alternative emerging sustainable materials that are suitable for near-room temperature applications (0–100 °C). In this review, we expect to bring attention to new families of green materials that hold potential for room-temperature energy harvesting in low power applications like the IoT and wearables.…”