Stepwise Curing Induced All-Stretchable Thermoelectric Generator of High Power Density

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Energy Harvesting
• Organic Electronics

Background:

• Wearable thermoelectric (TE) generators are crucial for self-powered flexible electronics.
• Existing stretchable TE devices often compromise power output or mechanical stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a wearable and highly stretchable organic thermoelectric generator with high power density.
• To achieve stable TE performance under mechanical strain.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a stretchable TE/electrode pattern using stepwise-curing of elastomeric and conducting networks.
• Post-activation treatment to enhance charge transport pathways without damaging the elastomeric network.
• Solution-processing of TE and electrode patterns onto a stretchable template.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high power density of 0.32 nW cm⁻² K⁻² for the stretchable TE generator.
• The device maintained 90% of its maximum TE power output at 40% stretching stress.
• Demonstrated stable power output after 200 stretching cycles and excellent stretchability in densified patterns.

Conclusions:

• The developed organic TE generator offers a promising solution for wearable energy harvesting.
• The fabrication method enables high performance and durability in stretchable electronic devices.
• This work advances the field of flexible and wearable thermoelectric power generation.