Phase transition driven tough hydrogel ionic thermoelectric cell with giant thermopower

Xiaofang Shi (), Yingjie Li, Nan Shi, Chengyu Ji, Lei Hou, Yingkun Shi, Jianyao Xu, Yarong Lan, Qingcong Wei, Guanglei Ma, Peiyi Wu () and Zhiguo Hu ()
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Xiaofang Shi: Henan Normal University
Yingjie Li: Henan Normal University
Nan Shi: Henan Normal University
Chengyu Ji: Henan Normal University
Lei Hou: Donghua University
Yingkun Shi: Donghua University
Jianyao Xu: Henan Normal University
Yarong Lan: Henan Normal University
Qingcong Wei: Henan Normal University
Guanglei Ma: Henan Normal University
Peiyi Wu: Donghua University
Zhiguo Hu: Henan Normal University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract The application of quasi-solid ionic thermoelectric (i-TE) cells holds great potential for powering ubiquitous wearable electronics without the need for cables or batteries. However, their practical application is restricted by low thermopower. Herein, a temperature-responsive supramolecular hydrogel, P(N-acryloylsemicarbazide-co-acrylic acid) (PNA), has been developed as a i-TE cell that integrates good mechanical and electrochemical properties. The volume phase transition (VPT) of PNA i-TE cell can generate a substantial ion entropy difference, thereby enhancing both the redox reaction efficiency and ionic thermodiffusion rate. A single PNA i-TE cell can generate a thermopower of 2.04 volts with a temperature difference of 50 K. The Seebeck coefficient (Se), specific output power density ( $${P}_{\max }/{(\Delta T)}^{2}$$ P max / ( Δ T ) 2 ) and figure of merit (ZT) of PNA i-TE cell can reach up to 40.9 mV K−1, 35.2 mW m−2 K−2 and 1.33 respectively. This ionic hydrogel is promising for the design of high performance polymer based i-TE cells in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64054-1

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