A Scalable Fully Printed Organic Thermoelectric Generator for Harsh Environments Enabled by a Stable n‐type Polymer

Abstract Affordable and versatile power sources become crucial as miniaturized electronics and sensors become more widespread. Organic thermoelectric generators (TEGs), capable of tapping into wasted heat sustainably and economically, are viewed as key enablers for powering the sensor networks of the future. Until recently, the performance of n‐type organic thermoelectric materials has severely lagged behind their p‐type counterparts. However, reports of a stable and highly conductive n‐type polymer, poly(benzodifurandione) (PBFDO), are changing this notion. Nonetheless, validation of PBFDO as a suitable ink for scalable fabrication processes and integration of the material into a scalable organic TEG have yet to be demonstrated. This work presents the development, characterization, and optimization of a PBFDO ink for use in a scalable inkjet printing process. The n‐type ink is then integrated into a screen‐printed origami‐inspired architecture, resulting in a 21‐leg PEDOT:PSS/PBFDO organic TEG capable of delivering a record‐high normalized power density among reported polymer‐based TEGs of 0.718 nW cm −2 K −2 . Moreover, the module ambient stability is demonstrated for up to 90 d, while its use for potential applications in harsh environments is validated for a temperature range of ‐8 °C to 200 °C and up to 90% relative humidity, a first for organic TEGs.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Materials Technologies
Published
2024-10-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202400968
Citations
19
Primary Topic
Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
2.23

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article

A Scalable Fully Printed Organic Thermoelectric Generator for Harsh Environments Enabled by a Stable n‐type Polymer

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19 citations
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Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices
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article

A Scalable Fully Printed Organic Thermoelectric Generator for Harsh Environments Enabled by a Stable n‐type Polymer

Mario Caironi, Martijn Kemerink, Ozan Karakaya, Md Mofasser Mallick, Christian Rainer, Irene Brunetti, Gerardo Hernandez‐Sosa, Uli Lemmer, Leonard Franke, Diego R. Hinojosa, Angus Hawkey, Nathan James Pataki, Muhammad Irfan Khan
article en
19 citations

Abstract

Abstract Affordable and versatile power sources become crucial as miniaturized electronics and sensors become more widespread. Organic thermoelectric generators (TEGs), capable of tapping into wasted heat sustainably and economically, are viewed as key enablers for powering the sensor networks of the future. Until recently, the performance of n‐type organic thermoelectric materials has severely lagged behind their p‐type counterparts. However, reports of a stable and highly conductive n‐type polymer, poly(benzodifurandione) (PBFDO), are changing this notion. Nonetheless, validation of PBFDO as a suitable ink for scalable fabrication processes and integration of the material into a scalable organic TEG have yet to be demonstrated. This work presents the development, characterization, and optimization of a PBFDO ink for use in a scalable inkjet printing process. The n‐type ink is then integrated into a screen‐printed origami‐inspired architecture, resulting in a 21‐leg PEDOT:PSS/PBFDO organic TEG capable of delivering a record‐high normalized power density among reported polymer‐based TEGs of 0.718 nW cm −2 K −2 . Moreover, the module ambient stability is demonstrated for up to 90 d, while its use for potential applications in harsh environments is validated for a temperature range of ‐8 °C to 200 °C and up to 90% relative humidity, a first for organic TEGs.

Advanced Materials TechnologiesVol. 10(4)
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (DE), Heidelberg University (DE), Chemnitz University of Technology (DE), Italian Institute of Technology (IT), Center for Nano Science and Technology (IT), Politecnico di Milano (IT)
Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, H2020 European Research Council, H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
Openalex Percentile: Top 8%
Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices
2.23
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