Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
09:51
A Polymer-based Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester with a 3D Meshed-Core Structure
Published on: February 20, 2019
25.4K
Kaolin Clay-Based Geopolymer for Ionic Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting
Guido Goracci1, Mary B Ogundiran1,2, Mohamad Barzegar1
1CSIC-UPV/EHU, Centro de Física de Materiales, P. Manuel de Lardizábal 5, 20018San Sebastián, Spain.
ACS Omega
|April 1, 2024
Summary
This study explores the thermoelectric properties of Ikere white (IKW)-geopolymer, revealing that ions and temperature significantly impact its performance. The material shows potential for ionic thermoelectric capacitors and sustainable energy generation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid State Physics
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Geopolymers are sustainable inorganic materials with potential applications in thermoelectric power generation.
- Understanding their thermoelectric properties is crucial for developing advanced energy conversion technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thermoelectric properties (thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient) of Ikere white (IKW)-geopolymer derived from kaolin clay.
- To elucidate the influence of temperature and ions on the thermoelectric performance of IKW-geopolymer.
- To explore the potential of IKW-geopolymer for ionic thermoelectric capacitors.
Main Methods:
- Rigorous measurements of thermal conductivity.
- Electrical conductivity measurements to identify charge carrier contributions.
- Seebeck coefficient measurements to assess thermoelectric potential.
- Analysis of temperature-dependent behavior and ionic influence.
Main Results:
- Electrical conductivity is primarily attributed to ions within the geopolymer channels.
- Water evaporation above a critical temperature alters charge carrier dynamics, reducing conductivity.
- Seebeck coefficient values ranged from -182 to 42 μV/K, with ion-driven thermoelectricity suggested.
- Observed a unique transition from n-type to p-type behavior in the geopolymer.
Conclusions:
- Temperature and ionic species are key factors governing the thermoelectric performance of IKW-geopolymer.
- The observed n-type to p-type transition opens possibilities for ionic thermoelectric capacitors.
- These findings contribute to the development of novel building materials for energy conversion.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Thermal and Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Overview
Electrocyclic reactions are reversible reactions. They involve an intramolecular cyclization or ring-opening of a conjugated polyene. Shown below are two examples of electrocyclic reactions. In the first reaction, the formation of the cyclic product is favored. In contrast, in the second reaction, ring-opening is favored due to the high ring strain associated with cyclobutene formation.
01:21DC Battery
A conductor needs to be a component of a path that creates a closed loop or full circuit to have a continuous current flowing through it. A current starts to flow if an electric field is created inside an isolated conductor that is not part of a full circuit. The conductor quickly develops a net positive charge at one end and a net negative charge at the other. These charges generate an electric field opposite the direction of the applied electric field, which reduces the current. Eventually,...
01:30The Electrical Double Layer
In the region where two bulk phases meet, an intricate electric charge distribution arises due to charge transfer, ion adsorption, molecular orientation, and charge distortion. This complex distribution is commonly referred to as the electrical double layer.When a solid electrode interfaces with ions in an electrolyte solution, the speed of electron transfer dictates the rates of oxidation and reduction. The electrode acquires a charge through the escape of atoms into the solution as cations or...