Fabrication of flexible thermoelectric generators

One disadvantage to using conventual thermoelectric generators (TEGs) to harvest heat waste is that they are inefficient where the heat source has a curved surface or has moving parts. Herein the fabrication of a flexible thermoelectric generator (FTEG) is discussed as a solution to harvest energy from these scenarios. Solution phase printing of nanomaterials is becoming an increasing appealing method in the creation of flexible energy harvesting devices. Inkjet printing of n-type bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) and bismuth antimony telluride (Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3) nanowires (NWs) onto polyimide that is then annealed, interconnected by eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) liquid metal and coated in silicone elastomer results as a FTEG. The device delivered a maximum power density of 11.78 mWïÿýcm-3 at a 15 K temperature difference. Also, the performance of the FTEG did not diminish after multiple bends and wraps (up to 100) around a tight radius of curvature (rod – dia. 7.5 mm). Hence this inkjet printed FTEG is a step forward towards a wearable energy harvesting device. This report is based on the recently submitted manuscript “Flexible, Inkjet-Printed Thermoelectric Generators with Inkjet-Printed Bismuth Telluride Nanowires and Liquid Metal Contacts”