Three dimensional architected thermoelectric devices with high toughness and power conversion efficiency

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Energy Conversion
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) face limitations in power conversion efficiency due to heat stagnation and material brittleness, hindering widespread application.
• Existing TEGs struggle to balance thermoelectric performance with mechanical toughness, leading to premature failure.
• Addressing these issues is crucial for advancing solid-state energy conversion technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel approach for fabricating thermoelectric generators with enhanced power conversion efficiency and improved mechanical robustness.
• To overcome the limitations of heat stagnation and material brittleness in conventional thermoelectric materials.
• To demonstrate the potential of architected materials in improving thermoelectric device performance and durability.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) architected thermoelectric generators using a cellular microlattice architecture.
• Partial carbonization of materials to achieve exceptional strength and ductility (>50% compressive strain).
• Integration of enhanced thermal impedance from the microlattice structure with robust thermoelectric materials.

Main Results:

• The fabricated 3D architected TEGs exhibit a specific energy absorption of approximately 30 J/g, indicating significant mechanical toughness.
• Achieved a power conversion efficiency of approximately 10%, demonstrating enhanced thermoelectric performance.
• The combined cellular architecture and partial carbonization successfully suppressed brittle failure.

Conclusions:

• The developed approach offers a promising strategy to enhance power conversion efficiency and mechanical robustness in thermoelectric generators.
• Architected materials, particularly microlattices with partial carbonization, represent a viable pathway for next-generation TEG design.
• This work paves the way for additive manufacturing of TEGs with superior thermoelectric properties and mechanical integrity.