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Screen-Printable p- and n‑Type Functionalized Graphene Inks for Flexible Textile Thermoelectric Generators
Samantha Newby1, Md Raju Ahmed1, Wajira Mirihanage1
1Department of Materials, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
ACS Omega
|September 15, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed printable graphene inks for flexible thermoelectric textiles that harvest body heat. These sustainable wearable generators offer a cost-effective solution for powering electronics and sensors.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Harvesting
- Textile Engineering
Background:
- Wearable thermoelectric (TE) generators offer a sustainable method for powering low-energy electronics by utilizing body heat.
- Graphene's unique properties make it a promising material for TE applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop fully screen-printable, solution-processed graphene inks for flexible textile thermoelectric applications.
- To create scalable and cost-effective wearable thermoelectric systems.
Main Methods:
- Screen-printing of p- and n-type graphene inks onto woven cotton substrates.
- Fabrication of all-graphene thermoelectric modules integrated into textiles.
- Electrical and thermal characterization of the TE textile devices.
Main Results:
- Achieved Seebeck coefficients of +34 μV/K.
- Generated open-circuit voltages up to 5.24 mV under a 40°C temperature gradient.
- Demonstrated stable operation with good adhesion, flexibility, and thermal response without postprocessing.
Conclusions:
- Presents a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally benign approach for wearable thermoelectric systems.
- Highlights the potential for powering flexible electronics, health monitoring sensors, and energy-autonomous garments.
- Demonstrates the feasibility of using screen-printable graphene inks for flexible and breathable TE textiles.
