Fully inkjet-printed Ag2Se flexible thermoelectric devices for sustainable power generation

Yan Liu, Qihao Zhang (), Aibin Huang, Keyi Zhang, Shun Wan, Hongyi Chen, Yuntian Fu, Wusheng Zuo, Yongzhe Wang, Xun Cao (), Lianjun Wang (), Uli Lemmer and Wan Jiang ()
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Yan Liu: Donghua University
Qihao Zhang: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Aibin Huang: Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Keyi Zhang: Donghua University
Shun Wan: Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research (HPSTAR)
Hongyi Chen: Central South University
Yuntian Fu: Donghua University
Wusheng Zuo: Donghua University
Yongzhe Wang: Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xun Cao: Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Lianjun Wang: Donghua University
Uli Lemmer: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Wan Jiang: Donghua University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Flexible thermoelectric devices show great promise as sustainable power units for the exponentially increasing self-powered wearable electronics and ultra-widely distributed wireless sensor networks. While exciting proof-of-concept demonstrations have been reported, their large-scale implementation is impeded by unsatisfactory device performance and costly device fabrication techniques. Here, we develop Ag2Se-based thermoelectric films and flexible devices via inkjet printing. Large-area patterned arrays with microscale resolution are obtained in a dimensionally controlled manner by manipulating ink formulations and tuning printing parameters. Printed Ag2Se-based films exhibit (00 l)-textured feature, and an exceptional power factor (1097 μWm−1K−2 at 377 K) is obtained by engineering the film composition and microstructure. Benefiting from high-resolution device integration, fully inkjet-printed Ag2Se-based flexible devices achieve a record-high normalized power (2 µWK−2cm−2) and superior flexibility. Diverse application scenarios are offered by inkjet-printed devices, such as continuous power generation by harvesting thermal energy from the environment or human bodies. Our strategy demonstrates the potential to revolutionize the design and manufacture of multi-scale and complex flexible thermoelectric devices while reducing costs, enabling them to be integrated into emerging electronic systems as sustainable power sources.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46183-1

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