Textile-based Thermoelectric Generator Produced Via Electrochemical Polymerization

The recent development in the field of wearable electronics has increased the demand for batteries as power sources which are subjected to periodic recharging and replacement. Therefore, the next challenge is to design new systems for sustainable energy to power portable electronic devices that can be easily integrated into textiles such as thermoelectric generators that can convert waste heat into electricity. Looking at this scenario, this work shows a methodology to prepare thermoelectric textiles by electrochemical polymerization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) on felt fabrics. The polymerization of PEDOT is carried out utilizing three different counterions, LiClO4, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (PF6), and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BTFMSI) to provide a complete understanding of the role of the counterion in the thermoelectric properties. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient are dependent on the counterion, reaching the maximum ZT for PEDOT polymerized in presence of BTFMSI due to an improvement of carrier mobility. In addition, the manufactured textile thermoelectric device showed an outstanding power output (6.5 mu W) compared to the previous devices reported to date.