Wet-spun PEDOT:PSS/CNT composite fibers for wearable thermoelectric energy harvesting. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Chao; Yang, Shuwen; Li, Pengcheng; Wang, Hui; Li, Hui; Liu, Zhitian
• Is Part Of: Composites communications. Volume 32(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Organic thermoelectric material -- Fiber -- PEDOT:PSS -- Carbon nanotube -- Wet spinning
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coco.2022.101179
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2452-2139

Abstract

Abstract: Fiber-based thermoelectric materials have received increased attention as they are light weight and can be sewn and woven for portable and wearable thermoelectric generators. In this work, Poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composite fibers were fabricated by a continuous wet spinning process using concentrated sulfuric acid as a coagulation bath, which could effectively remove the excess PSS and result in improved electric conductivity. With a SWCNT content of 50 wt%, the PEDOT:PSS/SWCNT composite fibers show a high electric conductivity of 2982 S cm −1 and a Seebeck coefficient of 27.1 μV K −1, leading to a promising power factor of 219 μW m −1 K −2 . By further treated with sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, the PEDOT:PSS/SWCNT fibers exhibit an enhanced Seebeck coefficient of 36.4 μV K −1 and a power factor of 280 μW m −1 K −2, which is higher than most PEDOT:PSS-based thermoelectric fibers. The mechanism of the enhancement of thermoelectric properties for the composite fibers was discussed. A flexible thermoelectric generator with five pairs of PEDOT:PSS/SWCNT fibers and copper wires were assembled and the electrical power generation capability were evaluated, demonstrating its potential application in wearable electronic devices. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: PEDOT:PSS/SWCNT composite fibers were produced through wet-spinning using sulfuric acid as coagulation. Both electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient increased with increasing of SWCNT content. Base treatment could partially dedoped the PEDOT:PSS in composite fiber and result in an increased Seebeck coefficient. High power factor of 280 μW m −1 K −2 is achieved for the composite fiber after base treatment.