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Printable and Flexible Heater with High Electric-to-Thermal Conversion Efficiency by Force and Temperature Field
Zhou Bai1, Zhijian Li1, Shiyu Du1
1Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Papermaking Technology and Specialty Paper Development, College of Bioresource Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an 710021, P. R. China.
Researchers developed a high-efficiency flexible electrothermal heater using graphene nanoplates, carbon black, and silver nanowires on paper. Processing controls enhanced performance for applications in smart wearables and information security.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Flexible electrothermal heaters are crucial for thermal management and smart wearables.
- Achieving high electric-to-thermal conversion efficiency (η) in these heaters is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a paper-based flexible electrothermal heater with enhanced efficiency.
- To investigate the impact of processing parameters on heater performance.
Main Methods:
- Screen printing a water-based conductive ink (graphene nanoplates, carbon black, Ag nanowires) onto paper.
- Controlling shearing force, vertical force, and temperature fields during fabrication and processing.
Main Results:
- Optimized processing improved graphene nanoplates alignment and interlayer contact.
- Hot pressing facilitated silver nanowire junction fusion, enhancing electron transport.
- Achieved a maximum temperature of 242.5°C at 6V with a rapid heating rate (55.7°C·s⁻¹).
- Reached a high efficiency of 359 °C·cm²·W⁻¹.
- Demonstrated fire warning and information encryption/decryption capabilities using integrated thermochromic ink.
Conclusions:
- The developed flexible heater exhibits high electric-to-thermal conversion efficiency.
- Processing control is key to optimizing heater performance.
- The heater shows potential for smart wearables, information security, and emergency rescue applications.
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