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🌡️ Flexible Thermoelectric Generators: Harnessing Heat with Sponge-Like Carbon Nanotube Foams






🔍 Introduction

In the quest for sustainable and flexible energy solutions, researchers at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) have developed a novel thermoelectric generator (TEG) that combines carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with bismuth antimony telluride (Bi₀.₄₅Sb₁.₅₅Te₃ or BST) in a porous, sponge-like foam structure. This innovative design addresses the limitations of traditional thermoelectric materials, offering enhanced flexibility, durability, and efficiency.

🧪 Material Innovation

Carbon Nanotube/BST Composite Foam

The research team, led by Drs. Mijeong Han and Young Hun Kang, utilized a rapid solvent evaporation method to fabricate a three-dimensional CNT/BST foam. This process involves: (DSpace at KOASAS: Highly Flexible and Durable Thermoelectric Power Generator Using CNT/PDMS Foam by Rapid Solvent Evaporation)

  • Molding: Filling a mold with a mixture of CNTs and BST particles.

  • Heating: Applying heat to evaporate the solvent, resulting in a solidified, porous structure.

The incorporation of BST particles within the CNT network enhances the electrical conductivity and thermoelectric performance of the foam.

⚙️ Performance Metrics

Thermoelectric Efficiency

The CNT/BST foam achieved a thermoelectric figure of merit (zT) of 7.8 × 10⁻³ at 300 K, which is 5.7 times higher than that of pristine CNT foam. (Fully printed and flexible carbon nanotube-based thermoelectric generator capable for high-temperature applications | Request PDF)

Power Output

When applied to a flexible TEG and tested with a temperature difference of 21.8 K, the device generated an output power of 15.7 µW, sufficient to power small-scale wearable sensors.

Durability

The TEG demonstrated excellent mechanical stability, maintaining performance after 10,000 bending cycles, highlighting its suitability for wearable applications.




🛠️ Fabrication Advantages

🌍 Potential Applications

The flexibility and efficiency of the CNT/BST foam TEGs open avenues for diverse applications, including:

  • Wearable Electronics: Powering health monitoring devices and fitness trackers.

  • Industrial Sensors: Harvesting waste heat in manufacturing processes.

  • Automotive Industry: Integrating into vehicle components to utilize engine heat.

Here's an expanded, SEO-optimized blog post in English based on the provided information: (High‐performance and flexible thermoelectric generator based on a robust carbon nanotube/BiSbTe foam · 研飞ivySCI)

Revolutionizing Energy Harvesting: Flexible Thermoelectric Generators with Carbon Nanotube/BiSbTe Foam (High-Performance and Flexible Thermoelectric Generator Based on a Robust Carbon Nanotube/BiSbTe Foam)

In the pursuit of sustainable and wearable energy solutions, researchers from the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) have developed a groundbreaking thermoelectric generator (TEG). This innovative device utilizes a sponge-like structure composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and bismuth antimony telluride (Bi₀.₄₅Sb₁.₅₅Te₃ or BST), offering a flexible and efficient means to convert heat into electricity.

The Innovation Behind CNT/BST Foam (KR20180076734A - Piezo triboelectric hybrid nanogenerator for high power output and preparation method of the same - Google Patents)

Traditional thermoelectric materials often face challenges such as rigidity and low efficiency. To address these issues, the KRICT team employed a rapid solvent evaporation technique to create a porous CNT/BST foam. This method allows for the formation of a three-dimensional, sponge-like structure that is both lightweight and mechanically robust.

The integration of BST nanoparticles within the CNT matrix enhances the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient, crucial parameters for thermoelectric performance. Remarkably, the CNT/BST foam achieved a figure of merit (zT) of 7.8 × 10⁻³ at 300 K, a 5.7-fold improvement over pristine CNT foam . (Fully printed and flexible carbon nanotube-based thermoelectric generator capable for high-temperature applications | Request PDF)

Performance and Durability

When applied to a flexible thermoelectric generator, the CNT/BST foam demonstrated impressive capabilities. Under a temperature difference of 21.8 K, the TEG produced an output power of 15.7 µW with an internal resistance of 12.3 Ω. (Fully printed and flexible carbon nanotube-based thermoelectric generator capable for high-temperature applications | Request PDF)

Durability tests further showcased the material's resilience. The flexible TEG maintained stable electrical resistance even after 10,000 bending cycles with a bending radius of 25 mm, indicating its suitability for wearable applications . (High-Performance and Flexible Thermoelectric Generator Based on a Robust Carbon Nanotube/BiSbTe Foam)

Versatility in Application (Freely Shapable and 3D Porous Carbon Nanotube Foam Using Rapid Solvent Evaporation Method for Flexible Thermoelectric Power Generators - Lee - 2019 - Advanced Energy Materials - Wiley Online Library)

One of the standout features of the CNT/BST foam is its moldability. The research team successfully fabricated a concave TEG that conformed to the surface of a cylindrical glass tube, demonstrating the material's adaptability to complex shapes. This property opens avenues for integrating TEGs into various surfaces and devices, from wearable sensors to industrial equipment . (High‐performance and flexible thermoelectric generator based on a robust carbon nanotube/BiSbTe foam · 研飞ivySCI)

Future Prospects (Fully printed and flexible carbon nanotube-based thermoelectric generator capable for high-temperature applications | Request PDF)

The development of this flexible and efficient TEG marks a significant step toward self-powered wearable electronics and sustainable energy solutions. The research team plans to further enhance thermoelectric efficiency through doping strategies and aims for commercialization by 2030. Potential applications include integration into thermal management systems for batteries, AI data centers, and autonomous electronic devices.


Open Your Mind!!!


Source: Carbon Energy

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