Thermoelectric Paper: Graphite Pencil Traces on Paper to Fabricate a Thermoelectric Generator

Abstract

Paper‐based thermoelectric generators are a promising and economical alternative to expensive organic conductors that are normally preferred for flexible generators. In the present work, graphite pencil traces on regular Xerox paper are successfully employed to constitute a thermoelectric generator. In conjunction with polyethylenimine polymer, the graphite traces act as both the p‐type and n‐type thermoelectric “legs,” of a graphite‐based thermoelectric generator. The fabrication method is facile and requires no conducting paste or silver paste to connect individual thermoelectric legs. A test module containing five pairs of p‐n legs is fabricated on paper to test its performance. The device produces a thermoelectric voltage of 9.2 mV, generating an output power of 1.75 nW at a temperature difference of ≈60 K. The present work demonstrates that ordinary pencil on paper may be used as the foundation for a cheap, flexible, easily disposable, and environmentally friendly thermoelectric generator.

Polymer–Inorganic Thermoelectric Nanomaterials: Electrical Properties, Interfacial Chemistry Engineering, and Devices

“…A TEG is a kind of device that directly generates electrical energy from heat. Generally (Sales, 2002 ; Bell, 2008 ), various thermal energy sources such as natural heat (e.g., solar radiation) and waste heat (e.g., industrial production), which induces a temperature gradient and can be capitalized on for energy generation in a reliable, pollution-free, and eco-friendly way (Mulla et al, 2020 ). Since many low-quality heat sources display irregular shapes and surfaces, it is vital for TEGs to be flexible for tight contact with the heat sources and thus maximizing heat collection.…”

“…To minimize the cost of energy cost with optimal performance, polymer/inorganic nanohybrids with additional interfacial and surface chemistry have been developed as promising thermoelectric materials. For example, Mulla et al ( 2020 ) successfully fabricated flexible paper-based TEGs using graphite and polyethylenimine ( Figure 2 ). Graphite served as both p-type and n-type thermoelectric legs, which did not require additional paste for connection.…”

From Renewable Energy to Renewable Fuel: A Sustainable Hydrogen Production

“…Nevertheless, rigorous scientific investigations are under progress which produced many new, low-cost and non-toxic materials and improvements can be realized in the near future (Mulla & Rabinal, 2018;Mulla & Dunnill, 2019). The efficiency argument however does need to be taken in context as the use of otherwise wasted heat yields green value from waste (Mulla & Dunnill, 2019) and is economically viable even with low efficiency, especially if the TEG can be produced cheaply (Mulla & Rabinal, 2018;Mulla, Jones et al, 2020).…”

Core–shell nanostructures for better thermoelectrics

“…4 There is also a growing interest in converting industrial waste heat into hydrogen fuel using water splitting units 5,6 powered by thermoelectric generators [6][7][8][9] as well as a growing demand for wearable and flexible power sources due to the emergence of artificial intelligence. 10,11 In this context, thermoelectric generators can be promising candidates to develop self-powered wearable devices, where these generators can power such smart devices by generating electricity from human body heat. 10 The efficiency (Z) of thermoelectric devices for electric power generation is defined as the ratio of output electrical power (P) to the thermal power (Q) supplied to the device: 12…”