Stretchable Thermoelectric Material via Composite Nanotubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymer and flexible thermoelectric materials have low thermoelectric conversion efficiency, limiting their application in general-purpose cooling systems and wearable devices.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable thermoelectric material is developed by mixing a thermoelectric structure, such as carbon nanotubes and metal nanoparticles, with a stretchable polymer, enhancing both thermoelectric efficiency and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polymer thermoelectric materials or flexible thermoelectric materials are used, then it is easy to manufacture large-area thermoelectric devices and they are non-toxic and inexpensive, but the thermoelectric conversion efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite thermoelectric material by combining polymer matrix with inorganic thermoelectric particles (such as Bi2Te3, Sb2Te3, or PbTe) dispersed within it. This composite structure allows the material to inherit the flexibility and ease of manufacturing from the polymer while incorporating the high thermoelectric conversion efficiency of the inorganic particles, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and thermoelectric conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the thermoelectric function in specific regions (the inorganic particles dispersed in the polymer matrix) rather than requiring the entire material to have uniform high thermoelectric performance. The polymer matrix provides mechanical flexibility and structural continuity, while the localized inorganic particles provide high thermoelectric conversion efficiency at specific sites, allowing the material to achieve both ease of manufacture and high efficiency
2Reliability
If inorganic thermoelectric materials are used, then the thermoelectric conversion efficiency is high, but they are toxic and difficult to manufacture large-area devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials to combine the advantages of both inorganic and polymer materials. The inorganic thermoelectric particles provide high conversion efficiency, while the polymer matrix provides non-toxicity, flexibility, and ease of large-area manufacturing. This composite approach allows the device to achieve high thermoelectric conversion efficiency without sacrificing ease of manufacture or introducing toxicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive polymer materials as the matrix, which can be easily processed and manufactured at low cost. While the polymer itself may not have high thermoelectric efficiency, its low cost and ease of processing allow for the economical manufacture of large-area devices, compensating for the use of more expensive inorganic particles and enabling scalable production
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves high thermoelectric conversion efficiency and stretchability, enabling the material's use in wearable electronic devices and expanded applications in cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
Thermoelectric conversion is the conversion of thermal energy to electric energy and vice versa. The Peltier effect refers to an effect in which a temperature difference is generated between both ends of a thermoelectric material when a current flows through the thermoelectric material, and the Seebeck effect refers to an reverse effect in which electricity is generated when there is a temperature difference between both ends of a thermoelectric material.
Implementation Method 2
The metal nanoparticles may be adsorbed on surfaces of the carbon nanotubes.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric material includes a stretchable polymer, and a thermoelectric structure and an electrically conductive material that are mixed together with the stretchable polymer. The thermoelectric material may be applied to self-power generating wearable electronic apparatuses.