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Updated: Jan 8, 2026

Asymmetric Thermoelectrochemical Cell for Harvesting Low-grade Heat under Isothermal Operation
Published on: February 5, 2020
Moisture-gradient-enhanced ionic thermoelectrics.
Chunyu Zhao1, Yidan Wu1, Dongxing Song2
1Department of Engineering Mechanics, Key Laboratory for Thermal Science and Power Engineering of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
Ionic thermoelectrics (i-TEs) utilize moisture gradients for enhanced energy harvesting. This novel approach boosts performance for applications in wearables and robotics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Harvesting
- Thermoelectrics
Background:
- Ionic thermoelectrics (i-TEs) are promising for wearables and low-grade energy harvesting.
- Adequate moisture is crucial for ion dissociation in i-TEs.
- The effect of moisture gradients on i-TE performance has been understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a moisture-gradient-enhanced ionic thermoelectric generator (MGITG).
- To investigate the combined effects of moisture and temperature gradients on i-TE performance.
- To demonstrate the potential of MGITGs in practical applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an MGITG device.
- Characterization of ionic thermopower, open-circuit voltage, and energy density.
- Evaluation of ion transport mechanisms under coupled heat and moisture transfer.
Main Results:
- The MGITG achieved an ionic thermopower of 34.02 mV K-1.
- A high open-circuit voltage of 644.19 mV was recorded.
- An ultrahigh output energy density of 917.54 J m-2 was achieved within 1 hour.
Conclusions:
- Coupled heat and moisture transfer significantly enhances i-TE performance through fast and selective ion transport.
- MGITGs show potential for high-sensitivity, multifunctional, and high-energy-density applications.
- The developed material enabled functional wearables and robotic systems with advanced sensing capabilities.
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