SWCNT-Based Composite Films with High Mechanical Strength and Stretchability by Combining Inorganic-Blended Acrylic...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Energy Harvesting

Background:

• Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films offer promise for flexible thermoelectric generators (TEGs) due to their thermoelectric properties.
• However, inherent limitations include low mechanical strength and high thermal conductivity, hindering practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve the mechanical properties and reduce the thermal conductivity of SWCNT films for enhanced thermoelectric generator (TEG) performance.
• To investigate the effect of an inorganic-blended acrylic emulsion additive on SWCNT film characteristics and TEG output.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of SWCNT-based composite films by incorporating varying amounts of an inorganic-blended acrylic emulsion additive.
• Characterization of mechanical properties (breaking strain, tensile strength) and thermal conductivity of the composite films.
• Construction and testing of two types of TEGs (water-floating and standard) using the fabricated composite films.

Main Results:

• SWCNT-based composite films demonstrated significantly enhanced mechanical properties, with breaking strain and tensile strength approximately 30 and 2 times higher, respectively.
• Thermal conductivity was substantially reduced from 7.3 W/(m·K) in pure SWCNT films to 2.1 W/(m·K) in composite films.
• Standard TEGs showed increased output voltage with optimal additive amounts due to reduced thermal conductivity, while water-floating TEGs' voltage decreased.

Conclusions:

• The addition of an inorganic-blended acrylic emulsion effectively improves the mechanical robustness and lowers the thermal conductivity of SWCNT films.
• The composite films enable tailored thermoelectric generator (TEG) performance based on specific design and operating conditions, particularly for standard TEGs.
• These findings provide crucial insights for optimizing SWCNT-based TEGs through material modification and strategic application design.