Sponge-like carbon nanotube thermoelectric generator easily molds to complex shapes and powers sensors

A Korean analysis staff has developed a novel thermoelectric materials and generator (TEG) that leverages sponge-like carbon nanotube (CNT) buildings, enhancing the constraints of natural thermoelectric supplies whereas retaining flexibility. The ensuing machine is predicted to be helpful in powering small-scale wearable sensors by way of thermal power harvesting.

The analysis is published within the journal Carbon Power.

Led by Drs. Mijeong Han and Younger Hun Kang on the Korea Analysis Institute of Chemical Expertise (KRICT), the staff mixed carbon nanotubes with Bi_0.45Sb_1.55Te₃ (BST) in a porous foam construction to maximise thermoelectric efficiency.

Whereas typical thermoelectric supplies are sometimes metal-based and inflexible, using CNTs permits for mild weight and mechanical flexibility—though earlier makes an attempt have resulted in low thermoelectric efficiency and poor sturdiness.

To beat these challenges, the staff developed a proprietary fabrication method that transforms CNTs into bulk foams slightly than skinny movies. This was achieved by heating and solidifying a powder-filled mould to create a sponge-like construction.

A way was additionally developed to uniformly distribute the thermoelectric BST particles inside the foam’s pores, enhancing each mechanical stability and thermoelectric efficiency.

Because of this, the CNT/BST foam achieved a zT of seven.8 × 10^-3—5.7 occasions increased than that of pristine CNT foam. When utilized to a versatile thermoelectric generator and examined on a glass tube at a temperature distinction of 21.8 Okay, the machine generated output energy of 15.7 µW—sufficient to function wearable sensors.

Sturdiness was confirmed by way of 10,000-cycle bending checks, with minimal efficiency loss. Furthermore, the complete fabrication course of takes simply 4 hours, in comparison with over three days for conventional CNT-based TEGs, highlighting the fabric’s wonderful scalability.

The staff plans to additional improve thermoelectric effectivity by way of doping methods and goals for commercialization by 2030. Future purposes embody integration into thermal administration programs for batteries and AI information facilities, in addition to wearable and autonomous digital gadgets.

“This examine represents a major step ahead in growing versatile, self-powered gadgets,” stated the researchers, including that the fabric’s moldability and sturdiness open new frontiers in power harvesting.