Open AccessHigh-performance wearable thermoelectric generator with self-healing, recycling, and Lego-like reconfiguring capabilities
Author(s) -
Wenjing Ren,
Yan Sun,
Dongliang Zhao,
Ablimit Aili,
Shun Zhang,
Chuanqian Shi,
Jialun Zhang,
Huiyuan Geng,
Jie Zhang,
Lixia Zhang,
Jianliang Xiao,
Ronggui Yang
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
science advances
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.928
H-Index - 146
ISSN - 2375-2548
DOI - 10.1126/sciadv.abe0586
Subject(s) - thermoelectric generator , wearable computer , generator (circuit theory) , self healing , computer science , thermoelectric effect , automotive engineering , materials science , nanotechnology , embedded system , engineering , medicine , physics , power (physics) , alternative medicine , pathology , quantum mechanics , thermodynamics
Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are an excellent candidate for powering wearable electronics and the "Internet of Things," due to their capability of directly converting heat to electrical energy. Here, we report a high-performance wearable TEG with superior stretchability, self-healability, recyclability, and Lego-like reconfigurability, by combining modular thermoelectric chips, dynamic covalent polyimine, and flowable liquid-metal electrical wiring in a mechanical architecture design of "soft motherboard-rigid plugin modules." A record-high open-circuit voltage among flexible TEGs is achieved, reaching 1 V/cm 2 at a temperature difference of 95 K. Furthermore, this TEG is integrated with a wavelength-selective metamaterial film on the cold side, leading to greatly improved device performance under solar irradiation, which is critically important for wearable energy harvesting during outdoor activities. The optimal properties and design concepts of TEGs reported here can pave the way for delivering the next-generation high-performance, adaptable, customizable, durable, economical, and eco-friendly energy-harvesting devices with wide applications.