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All-3D-Printed PEDOT:PSS-Based Stretchable Thermoelectric Devices for Power Generation
Wenjing Fan1, Qiang Yin1,2, Qi Wang1
1School of Chemistry and Materials Science, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, Jiangxi, P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|July 1, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a stretchable thermoelectric composite using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and a 3D printing method. This enables robust, integrated flexible thermoelectric devices for wearable energy harvesting.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Harvesting
- Wearable Electronics
Background:
- Flexible thermoelectric devices (F-TEDs) offer sustainable energy harvesting for wearables.
- Challenges include material stretchability, mechanical performance, and device integration complexities.
- Existing methods struggle with robust fabrication for practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a stretchable thermoelectric composite and an all 3D printing fabrication method.
- To overcome mechanical and manufacturing limitations for seamless integration in wearable electronics.
- To create robust, high-performance flexible thermoelectric devices.
Main Methods:
- Developed a stretchable poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) composite.
- Engineered a viscoelastic ink optimized for high-resolution, multimaterial 3D printing.
- Utilized an all 3D printing approach for device fabrication.
Main Results:
- The composite shows superior tensile strength and stretchability, retaining thermoelectric properties.
- All-3D-printed devices exhibit remarkable mechanical and electrical stability.
- Devices achieved an open voltage of 3.18 mV and power density of 6.78 nW cm-2 at 40 K.
- Stable performance under >50% strain and over 2000 stretching cycles.
- Successfully powered an LED using harvested body heat during dynamic motion.
Conclusions:
- This work presents a scalable, mechanically resilient platform for integrated thermoelectric energy harvesting.
- The developed composite and 3D printing method overcome key challenges in flexible thermoelectric device fabrication.
- Advances the development of self-powered wearable electronics through robust energy harvesting solutions.
