High-Performance Organic Flexible Thermoelectric Devices for Wearable Applications

Abstract

In recent years, thermoelectric (TE) devices have garnered increasing attention for their ability to convert waste heat into usable electrical energy, offering a pathway toward enhanced energy efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. Among various TE technologies, flexible thermoelectric generators stand out as promising candidates for powering wearable electronics and industrial Internet of Things applications due to their lightweight, compact, and maintenance-free design. Unlike conventional rigid devices, these solid-state systems can conform to diverse heat sources, enabling seamless integration into both personal and industrial environments. Compared to inorganic materials, organic TE materials present compelling advantages for room-temperature and flexible energy harvesting. In this study, we investigate the thermoelectric performance of films composed of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):pol y(styrenesulfonate) blended with graphene nanoplatelets. The maximum power factor of ~12 ± 1.3 µW/ mK2 is achieved for unsintered films at room temperature. Additionally, an in-plane device prototype was developed, achieving a maximum open circuit voltage of 5.1 mV under a temperature gradient of 15 K. These findings underscore the potential of organic thermoelectric materials for next-generation flexible and wearable energy solutions.