Paper-Driven Thermoelectric: Unveiling the Role of White Paper in Flexible Power Harvesting Device

Abstract Exploring paper-based flexible thermoelectric generators (TEGs) is gaining traction as an innovative approach to sustainable energy harvesting. This study evaluates the microstructure and electrical properties of Bi2Te3-Sb2Te3 TEGs fabricated using white paper substrates. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the overall thermoelectric efficiency of the TEGs. We ensured consistency across samples by employing a uniform painting process to integrate thermoelectric material dispersion onto the white paper substrates. The experimental results demonstrate a clear correlation between white paper and the electrical performance of the TEGs, offering optimized performance due to improved electrical stability. Our findings suggest that selecting the appropriate white paper substrate is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of paper-based TEGs. This research contributes to developing high-performance, flexible thermoelectric devices and underscores the potential of tailored paper substrates in advancing sustainable energy technologies.