Flexible n-type thermoelectric composite films with enhanced performance through interface engineering and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Energy Harvesting

Background:

• Flexible thermoelectric (TE) materials convert thermal gradients into electrical energy, crucial for energy harvesting.
• Development of n-type flexible TE materials lags behind p-type due to doping challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient and simplified synthesis for flexible n-type thermoelectric materials.
• To enhance the thermoelectric performance of composite films using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3).

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a hybrid composite by uniformly mixing high-mobility carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3).
• Utilized energy filtering effects and optimized stoichiometric composition of Bi2Te3.
• Simplified synthesis process for composite film preparation, avoiding traditional complex manufacturing steps.

Main Results:

• Achieved a significantly enhanced power factor of 225.9 μW m⁻¹K⁻² at room temperature, a 65-fold increase over the as-fabricated composite.
• Demonstrated improved electrical conductivity due to the CNTs and enhanced TE performance attributed to energy filtering and Bi2Te3 composition.
• The post-annealed composite film, containing Bi2Te3 nanowires and CNTs, showed promising thermoelectric properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed composite film represents a promising material for n-type thermoelectric devices with improved energy conversion efficiency.
• The simplified synthesis offers a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to conventional manufacturing methods.
• This advancement addresses the need for better n-type materials in flexible thermoelectric applications.