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Miao L, Zhu S, Liu C, Gao J, Zhang Z, Peng Y, Chen JL, Gao Y, Liang J, Mori T. Comfortable wearable thermoelectric generator with high output power. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8516. [PMID: 39353932 PMCID: PMC11445405 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52841-1] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Wearable thermoelectric generators provide a reliable power generation method for self-powered wearable electronic devices. However, there has been a lack of research regarding the comfort of wearable thermoelectric generators. Here we propose a design for a comfortable wearable thermoelectric generators system with high output power based on sandwiched thermoelectric model. This model paves the way for simultaneously optimizing comfort (skin temperature and pressure perception) and output power by systematically considering a variety of thermal resistive environments and bending states, the properties of the thermoelectric and encapsulation materials, and the device structure. To verify this strategy, we fabricate wearable thermoelectric generators using Mg-based thermoelectric materials. These materials have great potential for replacing traditional Bi2Te3-based materials and enable our wearable thermoelectric generators with a power density of 18.4 μWcm-2 under a wearing pressure of 0.8 kPa and with a skin temperature of 33 °C, ensuring the wearer's comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Miao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Relativity Astrophysics, Guangxi Novel Battery Materials Research Center of Engineering Technology, State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-cycle Safety for Composite Structures, School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, P. R. China.
| | - Sijing Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Relativity Astrophysics, Guangxi Novel Battery Materials Research Center of Engineering Technology, State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-cycle Safety for Composite Structures, School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, P. R. China
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, P. R. China
| | - Chengyan Liu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Materials, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, P. R. China
| | - Jie Gao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Materials, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, P. R. China
| | - Zhongwei Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Relativity Astrophysics, Guangxi Novel Battery Materials Research Center of Engineering Technology, State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-cycle Safety for Composite Structures, School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Ying Peng
- Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, P. R. China
| | - Jun-Liang Chen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Materials, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, P. R. China
| | - Yangfan Gao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Materials, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, P. R. China
| | - Jisheng Liang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Relativity Astrophysics, Guangxi Novel Battery Materials Research Center of Engineering Technology, State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-cycle Safety for Composite Structures, School of Physical Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, P. R. China
| | - Takao Mori
- Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Tsukuba, Japan.
- Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
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Shi XL, Wang L, Lyu W, Cao T, Chen W, Hu B, Chen ZG. Advancing flexible thermoelectrics for integrated electronics. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:9254-9305. [PMID: 39143899 DOI: 10.1039/d4cs00361f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
With the increasing demand for energy and the climate challenges caused by the consumption of traditional fuels, there is an urgent need to accelerate the adoption of green and sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies. The integration of flexible thermoelectrics with other various energy conversion technologies plays a crucial role, enabling the conversion of multiple forms of energy such as temperature differentials, solar energy, mechanical force, and humidity into electricity. The development of these technologies lays the foundation for sustainable power solutions and promotes research progress in energy conversion. Given the complexity and rapid development of this field, this review provides a detailed overview of the progress of multifunctional integrated energy conversion and storage technologies based on thermoelectric conversion. The focus is on improving material performance, optimizing the design of integrated device structures, and achieving device flexibility to expand their application scenarios, particularly the integration and multi-functionalization of wearable energy conversion technologies. Additionally, we discuss the current development bottlenecks and future directions to facilitate the continuous advancement of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lei Shi
- School of Chemistry and Physics, ARC Research Hub in Zero-emission Power Generation for Carbon Neutrality, and Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia.
| | - Lijun Wang
- School of Chemistry and Physics, ARC Research Hub in Zero-emission Power Generation for Carbon Neutrality, and Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia.
| | - Wanyu Lyu
- School of Chemistry and Physics, ARC Research Hub in Zero-emission Power Generation for Carbon Neutrality, and Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia.
| | - Tianyi Cao
- School of Chemistry and Physics, ARC Research Hub in Zero-emission Power Generation for Carbon Neutrality, and Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia.
| | - Wenyi Chen
- School of Chemistry and Physics, ARC Research Hub in Zero-emission Power Generation for Carbon Neutrality, and Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia.
| | - Boxuan Hu
- School of Chemistry and Physics, ARC Research Hub in Zero-emission Power Generation for Carbon Neutrality, and Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia.
| | - Zhi-Gang Chen
- School of Chemistry and Physics, ARC Research Hub in Zero-emission Power Generation for Carbon Neutrality, and Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4000, Australia.
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Ding D, Wu Q, Li Q, Chen Y, Zhi C, Wei X, Wang J. Novel Thermoelectric Fabric Structure with Switched Thermal Gradient Direction toward Wearable In-Plane Thermoelectric Generators. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306830. [PMID: 38126556 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Wearable thermoelectric generators (TEGs) have exhibited great potential to convert the temperature gradient between the human body and the environment into electrical energy for maintenance-free wearable applications. A 2D planar device structure is widely employed for fabricating flexible TEGs due to its simple structure and facile fabrication properties. However, this device configuration is more appropriate for utilizing in-plane temperature differences than the out-of-plane direction, which limits their application in wearable cases since the temperature difference between the human body and the environment is in the out-of-plane direction. To solve this problem, a novel fabric-based TEG structure that can utilize the out-of-plane temperature gradient is proposed in this work. By introducing thermally conductive components in the generator, the out-of-plane temperature difference can be switched to the in-plane direction, which can be further utilized for 2D planar devices in wearable applications. The prepared thermoelectric fabric prototype with only 12 p-type TE legs exhibits a maximum open-circuit voltage of 4.69 mV and an output power of 39.7 nW at a temperature difference of 30 K. This strategy exhibits a high degree of versatility and can be readily applied to other 2D planar TEGs, thus expanding their potential application in wearable technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Ding
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Qian Wu
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Yixun Chen
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Chao Zhi
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Xia Wei
- School of Textile Science and Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
| | - Jinmei Wang
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Functional Textile Material and Product (Xi'an Polytechnic University), Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710048, China
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Jung Y, Jeong S, Ahn J, Lee J, Ko SH. High Efficiency Breathable Thermoelectric Skin Using Multimode Radiative Cooling/Solar Heating Assisted Large Thermal Gradient. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304338. [PMID: 37649174 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
This study proposes a Janus structure-based stretchable and breathable thermoelectric skin with radiative cooling (RC) and solar heating (SH) functionalities for sustainable energy harvesting. The challenge of the wearable thermoelectric generator arises from the small temperature difference. Thus, this dual-sided structure maximizes the thermal gradient between the body and the surrounding environment, unlike the previous works that rather concentrate on the efficiency of the thermoelectric generator itself. The Janus structure allows the device to switch to the other mode, optimizing electricity generation from a given weather condition. For these functionalities, for the first time, boron nitride-polydimethylsiloxane (BP) and graphene nanoplatelet-polydimethylsiloxane (GP) nanofiber (NF) are developed as substrates. The BP NF generates the RC capability of ΔTcooling = 4 °C, and the high solar absorbance of the GP NF enables it to be photothermally heated. The flip-overable thermoelectric skin (FoTES) achieves a maximum power output (Pmax ) of 5.73 µW cm-2 in RC mode, surpassing SH mode by 5.55 µW cm-2 in the morning. In the afternoon, it generates a Pmax of 18.59 µW cm-2 in SH mode, outperforming RC mode by 15.56 µW cm-2 . This work contributes to the advancement of wearable electronics, offering a sustainable power source in a wearable form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeongju Jung
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongmin Jeong
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyong Ahn
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Mechanical, Robotics, and Energy Engineering, Dongguk University, 30 Pildong-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Ko
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design (SNU-IAMD), Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
Wearable thermoelectric generators (WTEGs) can incessantly convert body heat into electricity to power electronics. However, the low efficiency of thermoelectric materials, tiny terminal temperature difference, rigidity, and neglecting optimization of lateral heat transfer preclude WTEGs from broad utilization. In this review, we aim to comprehensively summarize the state-of-the-art strategies for the realization of flexibility and high normalized power density in thermoelectric generators by establishing the links among materials, TE performance, and advanced design of WTEGs (structure, heatsinks, thermal regulation, thermal analysis, etc.) based on inorganic bulk TE materials. Each section starts with a concise summary of its fundamentals and carefully selected examples. In the end, we point out the controversies, challenges, and outlooks toward the future development of wearable thermoelectric devices and potential applications. Overall, this review will serve to help materials scientists, electronic engineers, particularly students and young researchers, in selecting suitable thermoelectric devices and potential applications.
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Zhang Y, Gao J, Zhu S, Li J, Lai H, Peng Y, Miao L. Wearable Thermoelectric Cooler Based on a Two-Layer Hydrogel/Nickel Foam Heatsink with Two-Axis Flexibility. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:15317-15323. [PMID: 35332772 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c01777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A wearable thermoelectric cooler (w-TEC) shows promising prospects in personal thermal management due to its zero emission, high efficiency, lightweight, and long-term stability. The flexible heatsinks are able to promote the cooling effect of coolers, but the cooling capacity of current coolers still has much room for improvement because of the relatively large thermal resistance between the cooler and heatsink. In this work, the two-layer heatsink units composed of hydrogel and nickel foam are fabricated and attached to a thermoelectric cooler via the thermal silica gel. Thanks to the high thermal conductivity of nickel foam and a tight bond between the hydrogel and nickel foam, effective heat conduction from the cooler to the body of the heatsink was achieved. In addition, the discrete heatsink units endow the w-TEC with excellent flexibility. The bending radius of this w-TEC is as small as 7.5 mm, and a long-term temperature reduction of ∼10 °C can be realized at an input current of 0.3 A for a flat or bent w-TEC. In the on-body testing, a stable temperature reduction of 7 °C can be obtained using an AA battery with an input voltage of 1.5 V.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Material, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Material, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Sijing Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Material, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Jiahui Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Material, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Huajun Lai
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Material, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Ying Peng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Precision Navigation Technology and Application, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Lei Miao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Information Material, Engineering Research Center of Electronic Information Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
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