Wearable self-powered devices based on polymer thermoelectric materials
Yi Yang, Hui Li, Zhen Xu, Siyi Luo, Lidong Chen
Abstract
Abstract Driven by rapid advances in the thermoelectric (TE) performance of organic materials, conjugated polymer thermoelectric (PTE) materials are considered ideal candidates for flexible self-powered devices because of their intrinsic flexibility, tailored molecular structure, large-area solution processability, and low thermal conductivity. One promising application is the flexible and wearable TE devices used on the human body to convert human energy (human motion or body heat) into electricity. The self-powered character with extended functions allows PTE devices to monitor human activity or health status. In this review, we first introduce existing high-performance PTE materials and the architectures of PTE devices. Then, we focus on the progress of research on flexible self-powered devices based on PTE materials, including TE generators, TE sensors, and Peltier coolers. Finally, possible challenges in the development of PTE devices are discussed.