Textile‐based Thermoelectric Generator Produced Via Electrochemical Polymerization

Abstract

The recent development in the field of wearable electronics has increased the demand for batteries as power sources which are subjected to periodic recharging and replacement. Therefore, the next challenge is to design new systems for sustainable energy to power portable electronic devices that can be easily integrated into textiles such as thermoelectric generators that can convert waste heat into electricity. Looking at this scenario, this work shows a methodology to prepare thermoelectric textiles by electrochemical polymerization of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) on felt fabrics. The polymerization of PEDOT is carried out utilizing three different counterions, LiClO4, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (PF6), and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BTFMSI) to provide a complete understanding of the role of the counterion in the thermoelectric properties. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient are dependent on the counterion, reaching the maximum ZT for PEDOT polymerized in presence of BTFMSI due to an improvement of carrier mobility. In addition, the manufactured textile thermoelectric device showed an outstanding power output (6.5 µW) compared to the previous devices reported to date.

Lignin‐Derived Ionic Conducting Membranes for Low‐Grade Thermal Energy Harvesting

“… $$$$\begin{equation}Q = - \kappa \frac{{\Delta T}}{{\Delta x}}\end{equation}$$$$where Q is the previously obtained heat flux value, Δ T is the temperature difference across the sample, and Δ x is the distance of heat transfer (the thickness of the sample). [ 33 ] All samples were tested at a pressure of 10 kPa.…”

Weavable thermoelectrics: advances, controversies, and future developments

“…With the advancement of thermoelectric science and technology, the morphology of weavable thermoelectric materials has become diverse, and the research focus in this field continues to evolve. Generally, research focus areas in weavable thermoelectrics can be categorized as indicated by figure 2, including 1D fibers [42,43, and nanowires (NWs) [167,168], 2D thin films [169][170][171][172], 3D fabrics [173][174][175][176][177][178][179][180][181][182][183][184][185][186], device assembling [42,43,124], simulations [187,188], and integrations [189]. Among them, thermoelectric fibers with typical 1D macroscopic morphologies have garnered significant research attention.…”

“…Another research emphasis includes the design of substrates or supports that match woven thermoelectric fibers, such as common fabrics, flexible strings, and silicone. These support materials can serve solely as structural supports [173][174][175] or be thermoelectrically functionalized [176][177][178][179][180][181][182][183][184][185][186].…”

“…Fabrics used as flexible substrates can also be functionalized, especially for thermoelectric purposes, to further enhance the overall performance of W-TEDs. For example, common design approaches include modifying traditional wool or synthetic fabrics and depositing thermoelectric layers onto them using solution-based or deposition methods [176][177][178][179][180][181][182][183][184][185][186]. Additionally, some research explores the direct use of thermoelectric fabrics as 3D thermoelectric legs, functioning similarly to 1D weavable thermoelectric fibers.…”

“…Similarly, SnS and SnSSe x (x = 0.05, 0.075, and 0.1) samples were synthesized through a hydrothermal method and coated onto carbon fabric using a drop-casting technique for flexible thermoelectric applications [185]. A S 2 σ of 1.56 µW m −1 K −2 was achieved for SnSSe 0.1 at 373 K. Other works also reported thermoelectric fabrics such as electrochemical polymerization of PEDOT on felt fabrics [180], worm-Like PEDOT: Tos-coated polypropylene (PP) fabrics [182], ordered Bi 2 Te 3 crystals anchored on carbon fiber networks [186], electrospraying CNTs on poly (lactic acid) (PLA) fabric [179], solvent-assisted synthesis of Ag 2 Se and Ag 2 S nanoparticles on carbon fabric [178], etc. Some works also focused on weaving thermoelectric fibers into 2D films for thermoelectric applications.…”