3D-printed Bi₂Te₃-based Thermoelectric Generators for Energy Harvesting and Temperature Response

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Energy Harvesting
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are promising for self-powered electronics but face limitations in component fabrication.
• Current thermoelectric device development lags behind material advancements, hindering practical applications due to shape and property constraints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address fabrication challenges in thermoelectric devices using 3D printing technology.
• To develop 3D-printed thermoelectric components with customizable shapes and enhanced properties.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 3D printing technique to consecutively print multiple p-type thermoelectric legs (pins).
• Fabricated and characterized 3D-printed thermoelectric generators (TEGs).

Main Results:

• Achieved excellent thermal potential (288 μV K⁻¹ at room temperature) and temperature response.
• Demonstrated an output voltage of 127.94 mV at a 40 K temperature difference.
• Highlighted rapid temperature signal to electrical signal conversion for alarms.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing offers an effective solution for creating advanced thermoelectric components.
• The developed 3D-printed TEG enables efficient thermal energy harvesting and rapid temperature sensing.
• Proposed a concept for home-scale applications combining energy harvesting and electrical alarming functionalities.