A Multifunctional MXene/PVA Hydrogel as a Continuous Ionic Thermoelectric Generator and a Strain/Temperature Sensor
Dezhuang Ji1, Baosong Li2,3, Dawei Zhang1
1Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box, Abu Dhabi, 127788, UAE.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|November 20, 2024
Summary
This study presents a continuous ionic thermoelectric (i-TE) system using MXene/PVA hydrogel. This novel system offers tunable thermopower and functions as a strain/temperature sensor.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Harvesting
- Thermoelectric Devices
Background:
- Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) convert heat to electricity.
- Ionic thermoelectric (i-TE) systems offer potential for flexible and low-cost energy harvesting.
- Developing stable and continuous output i-TE systems remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a continuous output ionic thermoelectric (i-TE) system.
- To investigate the use of MXene/PVA hydrogel for i-TE applications.
- To explore the multifunctional sensing capabilities of the developed hydrogel.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an i-TE system using MXene (Ti3C2Tx)/PVA hydrogel.
- Utilizing thermo-diffusion of Cu2+ and Cl- ions and Cu/Cu2+ redox reactions.
- Characterization of thermopower, response time, and long-term stability.
- Evaluation of strain and temperature sensing capabilities.
Main Results:
- Achieved tunable thermopower up to -3.13 mVK-1 by adjusting ion diffusivity with MXene.
- Demonstrated a rapid response time (<100 s), surpassing polyelectrolyte systems.
- Obtained continuous current output with copper electrodes via redox reactions.
- Confirmed stable long-term output across a wide resistance range (1 kΩ to 1 MΩ).
- Showcased multifunctional sensing for strain and temperature detection.
Conclusions:
- The MXene/PVA hydrogel i-TE system provides a promising platform for continuous energy harvesting.
- The system exhibits superior performance and rapid response compared to existing polyelectrolyte-based systems.
- The hydrogel's multifunctional sensing capabilities open avenues for integrated wearable electronics.
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