“热电橡胶”为可穿戴设备能源采集提供新方案

Core Viewpoint - The development of the first N-type thermoelectric elastomer, termed "thermoelectric rubber," by Professor Liu Kai from Qingdao University of Science and Technology, offers a new solution for energy harvesting technologies in flexible electronics and wearable devices [1]. Group 1: Material Innovation - Traditional thermoelectric devices primarily utilize inorganic thermoelectric materials, which are rigid and lack elasticity and shape adaptability, limiting their application in wearable devices [1]. - The N-type thermoelectric elastomer combines elasticity, stretchability, and thermoelectric conversion capabilities, paving the way for advancements in energy harvesting for wearable technology [1]. - The elastomer exhibits remarkable tensile strain of up to 850%, comparable to traditional rubber, and achieves a thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of 0.49 at 300 Kelvin, nearing or surpassing the performance of existing flexible or plastic inorganic thermoelectric materials [1]. Group 2: Device Application - Researchers have manufactured the first elastic thermoelectric generator, which differs from inorganic thermoelectric devices by eliminating the need for complex interconnection structures, allowing direct adaptation to the skin surface [2]. - This device maintains a high fill factor and low thermal resistance while demonstrating efficient thermoelectric conversion efficiency and excellent comfort and shape adaptability, showcasing its potential to power wearable electronic devices and biosensors [2].