Wearable Thermoelectric Generators: Materials, Structures, Fabrications, and Applications

Wearable thermoelectric generators are solid-state devices that produce electric energy by harvesting thermal energy from human body or environments. They normally work at relatively mild temperatures that are suitable for human, being light, compact, deformable to the 3D surface, safe to human and environment, comfortable, durable, and cost-effective. As the potential power suppliers for wearable or mobile microelectronic systems, they have attracted considerable attention. Herein, a critical overview and review of the state-of-the-art wearable thermoelectric generators are presented, covering their operational principles, functional and structural materials, device structures, fabrication processes, and potential applications. Also theoretical aspects of their working mechanisms are included and the scientific and practical challenges are discussed.