Flexible and Stretchable Self‐Powered Multi‐Sensors Based on the N‐Type Thermoelectric Response of Polyurethane/Nax(Ni‐ett)n Composites. (15th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wan, Kening; Taroni, Prospero J; Liu, Zilu; Liu, Yi; Tu, Ying; Santagiuliana, Giovanni; Hsia, I‐Chuan; Zhang, Han; Fenwick, Oliver; Krause, Steffi; Baxendale, Mark; Schroeder, Bob C.; Bilotti, Emiliano
• Is Part Of: Advanced Electronic Materials. Volume 5:Number 12(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-09-15
• Subjects: flexible electronics -- stretchable electronics organic thermoelectrics -- self‐powered electronics -- sensors; Materials -- Electric properties -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Magnetic materials -- Periodicals; Electronic apparatus and appliances -- Periodicals; 537
• DOI: 10.1002/aelm.201900582
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2199-160X

Abstract

Abstract: Flexible and stretchable electronic devices have a broad range of potential uses, from biomedicine, soft robotics, and health monitoring to the internet‐of‐things. Unfortunately, finding a robust and reliable power source remains challenging, particularly in off‐the‐grid and maintenance‐free applications. A sought‐after development overcome this challenge is the development of autonomous, self‐powered devices. A potential solution is reported exploiting a promising n‐type thermoelectric compound, poly nickel‐ethenetetrathiolates (Na x (Ni‐ett) n ). Highly stretchable n‐type composite films are obtained by combining Na x (Ni‐ett) n with commercial polyurethane (Lycra). As high as 50 wt% Na x (Ni‐ett) n content composite film can withstand deformations of ≈500% and show conductivities of ≈10 −2 S cm −1 and Seebeck coefficients of approx. −40 µV K −1 . These novel materials can be easily synthesized on a large scale with continuous processes. When subjected to a small temperature difference (<20 °C), the films generate sufficient thermopower to be used for sensing strain (gauge factor ≈20) and visible light (sensitivity factor ≈36% (kW m −2 ) −1 ), independent of humidity (sensitivity factor ≈0.1 (%RH) −1 ). As a proof‐of‐concept, a wearable self‐powered sensor is demonstrated by using n‐type Na x (Ni‐ett) n /Lycra and PEDOT:PSS/Lycra elements, connected in series by hot pressing, without employing any metal connections, hence preserving good mechanical ductility and ease of processing. Abstract : A highly stretchable self‐powered multiple sensing device, based on organic thermoelectric films, is developed. Over a small temperature gradient (<20 °C), it can generate sufficient thermopower for sensing strain (gauge factor ≈20), temperature, and visible light (sensitivity factor ≈36% (kW m −2 ) −1 ).