Layer-by-Layer Flexible Organic Thermoelectric Devices based on PEDOT:PSS and PBFDO

Abstract

Recent advances in n-type conducting polymers are beginning to rival those of p-type materials. Notably, the n-type conducting polymer poly(benzodifurandione) (PBFDO) demonstrates a notable Seebeck coefficient along with exceptionally high electrical conductivity, positioning it as a promising n-type thermoelectric material with substantial research potential. Despite its promise, the exploration of PBFDO’s thermoelectric properties and the development of related thermoelectric devices have been limited. In this study, we introduce a flexible thermoelectric device that utilizes a combination of the p-type polymer poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate and the n-type polymer PBFDO, using a straightforward print-and-fold technique. This approach enabled the production of flexible devices with thermoelectric generators whose properties were assessed. The polymer films and the resultant devices demonstrated commendable performance stability even after being subjected to 1,000 bending cycles at a 90° angle. Our findings corroborate the potential of PBFDO as a viable material for flexible thermoelectric applications, a development that is eagerly anticipated in the field.