Kirigami‐Based Stretchable, Deformable, Ultralight Thin‐Film Thermoelectric Generator for BodyNET Application. Issue 5 (9th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guo, Zhanpeng; Yu, Yuedong; Zhu, Wei; Zhang, Qingqing; Liu, Yutong; Zhou, Jie; Wang, Yaling; Xing, Jian; Deng, Yuan
• Is Part Of: Advanced energy materials. Volume 12:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-12-09
• Subjects: deformable -- kirigami -- stretchable -- thermoelectric generators -- wearable electronics; Energy harvesting -- Materials -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Materials -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Materials -- Periodicals; Photovoltaics -- Periodicals; Fuel cells -- Periodicals; Thermoelectric materials -- Periodicals; 621.31
• DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202102993
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1614-6832

Abstract

Abstract: Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) as potential power supply have great prospects for wearable application. Nevertheless, difficulties in realizing deformability, ultralight weight, and high power density of TEGs at the same time has strongly frustrated their commercial applications to date. Herein, inspired by the art of kirigami, an innovative design to construct stretchable, deformable, ultralight 3D thin‐film TEG from a 2D structure by introducing rational kirigami cuts is proposed. Meanwhile, high‐performance inorganic thermoelectric films are compatibly introduced to the TEG without property degradation. In addition, the vertical heat flow is easily realized in the planar thin‐film TEG, which is beneficial for the establishment of large temperature differences. The fabricated ultralight kirigami‐based TEG (only 29 mg in weight), without an additional heat sink demonstrates the highest open voltage density of 6.712 V g −1 with a maximum power density of 255.395 µW g −1 at T hot = 60 °C. Moreover, the TEG exhibits excellent compliance to extreme mechanical deformation and adaptability to variety surfaces. This work provides a new design concept for deformable TEGs with promising application in a broader set of BodyNET technology. Abstract : This study develops a general scheme to extend a system from a thin‐film thermoelectric generator (TEG) into a 3D adjustable form by rational cut designs and unique patterning procedures inspired by kirigami. The kirigami‐based TEG with high specific energy output takes advantages both from the superior fabrication capabilities existing for planar thin‐film device and the compliant deformability mechanism.