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Flexible and Stretchable Self‐Powered Multi‐Sensors Based on the N‐Type Thermoelectric Response of Polyurethane/Na x (Ni‐ett) n Composites
Author(s) -
Wan Kening,
Taroni Prospero J,
Liu Zilu,
Liu Yi,
Tu Ying,
Santagiuliana Giovanni,
Hsia IChuan,
Zhang Han,
Fenwick Oliver,
Krause Steffi,
Baxendale Mark,
Schroeder Bob C.,
Bilotti Emiliano
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced electronic materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.25
H-Index - 56
ISSN - 2199-160X
DOI - 10.1002/aelm.201900582
Subject(s) - gauge factor , materials science , seebeck coefficient , thermoelectric effect , pedot:pss , composite material , composite number , polyurethane , nickel , nanotechnology , fabrication , polymer , metallurgy , thermal conductivity , medicine , alternative medicine , physics , pathology , thermodynamics
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.