Polypyrrole-engineered nickel-based composite electrodes for thermocells with enhanced power output and stability

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Thermocells offer a promising route for harvesting low-grade waste heat.
• Developing efficient and durable electrode materials is crucial for thermocell performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop efficient, durable, and low-cost polypyrrole-nickel composite electrodes for thermocell applications.
• To investigate the impact of electrodeposition on electrode properties and thermocell performance.

Main Methods:

• Electrodeposition of polypyrrole-nickel composites onto substrates.
• Characterization of electrode morphology, wettability, and electrochemical activity.
• Performance testing of thermocell devices using the developed electrodes.

Main Results:

• The composite electrodes exhibited improved wettability and enhanced electrochemical activity.
• Reduced corrosion was observed in the polypyrrole-nickel composite electrodes.
• The developed electrodes achieved significantly higher output power compared to pristine nickel or platinum electrodes.

Conclusions:

• Polypyrrole-nickel composite electrodes are efficient, durable, and low-cost alternatives for thermocell applications.
• The electrodeposition method effectively enhances electrode properties for improved thermocell performance.
• This technology facilitates practical low-grade heat harvesting.