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Boosting thermoelectric performance of single-walled carbon nanotubes-based films through rational triple treatments

Author

Listed:
  • Yuan-Meng Liu

    (Nanjing Tech University)

  • Xiao-Lei Shi

    (Queensland University of Technology)

  • Ting Wu

    (Nanjing Tech University)

  • Hao Wu

    (Nanjing Tech University)

  • Yuanqing Mao

    (Queensland University of Technology
    The University of Queensland
    Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Tianyi Cao

    (Queensland University of Technology)

  • De-Zhuang Wang

    (Nanjing Tech University)

  • Wei-Di Liu

    (Queensland University of Technology)

  • Meng Li

    (Queensland University of Technology)

  • Qingfeng Liu

    (Nanjing Tech University)

  • Zhi-Gang Chen

    (Queensland University of Technology)

Abstract

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)-based thermoelectric materials, valued for their flexibility, lightweight, and cost-effectiveness, show promise for wearable thermoelectric devices. However, their thermoelectric performance requires significant enhancement for practical applications. To achieve this goal, in this work, we introduce rational “triple treatments” to improve the overall performance of flexible SWCNT-based films, achieving a high power factor of 20.29 µW cm−1 K−2 at room temperature. Ultrasonic dispersion enhances the conductivity, NaBH4 treatment reduces defects and enhances the Seebeck coefficient, and cold pressing significantly densifies the SWCNT films while preserving the high Seebeck coefficient. Also, bending tests confirm structural stability and exceptional flexibility, and a six-legged flexible device demonstrates a maximum power density of 2996 μW cm−2 at a 40 K temperature difference, showing great application potential. This advancement positions SWCNT films as promising flexible thermoelectric materials, providing insights into high-performance carbon-based thermoelectrics.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuan-Meng Liu & Xiao-Lei Shi & Ting Wu & Hao Wu & Yuanqing Mao & Tianyi Cao & De-Zhuang Wang & Wei-Di Liu & Meng Li & Qingfeng Liu & Zhi-Gang Chen, 2024. "Boosting thermoelectric performance of single-walled carbon nanotubes-based films through rational triple treatments," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-47417-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47417-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. J. N. Wang & X. G. Luo & T. Wu & Y. Chen, 2014. "High-strength carbon nanotube fibre-like ribbon with high ductility and high electrical conductivity," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-8, September.
    2. Nguyen T. Hung & Ahmad R. T. Nugraha & Riichiro Saito, 2019. "Thermoelectric Properties of Carbon Nanotubes," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-27, November.
    3. Shohei Horike & Qingshuo Wei & Kouki Akaike & Kazuhiro Kirihara & Masakazu Mukaida & Yasuko Koshiba & Kenji Ishida, 2022. "Bicyclic-ring base doping induces n-type conduction in carbon nanotubes with outstanding thermal stability in air," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.
    4. Azure D. Avery & Ben H. Zhou & Jounghee Lee & Eui-Sup Lee & Elisa M. Miller & Rachelle Ihly & Devin Wesenberg & Kevin S. Mistry & Sarah L. Guillot & Barry L. Zink & Yong-Hyun Kim & Jeffrey L. Blackbur, 2016. "Tailored semiconducting carbon nanotube networks with enhanced thermoelectric properties," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 1(4), pages 1-9, April.
    5. Liu, Wei-Di & Yu, Yao & Dargusch, Matthew & Liu, Qingfeng & Chen, Zhi-Gang, 2021. "Carbon allotrope hybrids advance thermoelectric development and applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
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