An innovative technique for creating flexible thermoelectric generators based on carbon nanotubes to power wearable devices has been developed by scientists from Japan.
Fabric-type thermal generators
Features of the technology
Thanks to the development of wearable electronics, the task of providing reliable power to wireless sensors and gadgets has become urgent. One promising solution could be thermoelectric generators that convert heat into electricity. A research team led by Masakazu Nakamura at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology is developing flexible fabric-type thermal generators based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) sewn into textiles.
Advantages of CNTs and their dispersion method
CNTs have a number of properties that make them attractive for thermoelectric applications: flexibility, high mechanical strength, ability to generate voltage at temperature differences. However, their high thermal conductivity limits their efficiency. To reduce heat transfer, the scientists dispersed CNTs in a solution with glycerol and the surfactant polyoxyethylene (50) stearyl ether. Glycerol, due to its viscosity, ensured a uniform distribution of nanotubes, and the surfactant prevented their accumulation and heat transfer between the bundles.
Technological process for manufacturing threads
The resulting dispersion was used to form threads using the wet spinning method. Thanks to the new technology, in just three hours and using safe chemical components, it was possible to create a yarn with precisely aligned bundles of CNTs with a diameter of 8 nm, separated by a surfactant layer. Alignment increases both electrical and thermal conductivity, but the presence of a surfactant between the bundles allowed the heat transfer to be limited. Thus, the proposed approach is promising for improving the thermoelectric characteristics of materials based on CNTs of various shapes - from threads to films and volumetric structures.
Glossary
- Masakazu Nakamura is a research team leader at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Japan.
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) - cylindrical structures consisting of one or more hexagonal graphite planes rolled into a tube, possessing high mechanical strength, electrical and thermal conductivity .
- Surfactant (surfactant) - a substance whose molecules consist of polar (hydrophilic) and non-polar (hydrophobic) parts, which allows them to be adsorbed on interfaces and reduce surface tension.
References
- ACS Applied Nano Materials Journal Article
- Source of information - Nara Institute of Science and Technology
Answers to questions
What are thermoelectric generators and what are they intended for?
Why are carbon nanotubes suitable for creating thermoelectric generators?
Which carbon nanotube dispersion method was developed in the study?
What are the advantages of using glycerin and surfactants when dispersing BNT?
Why is the proposed method promising for improving the thermoelectric properties of carbon nanotubes?
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Discussion of the topic – Revolutionary fabric turns body heat into energy for smartphones
Japanese scientists have developed an innovative fabric that can convert human body heat into electricity to power wearable devices and sensors. This discovery could be a breakthrough in the field of smart clothing and the Internet of things.
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Luisa
Hey, have you heard about the new flexible thermal generators based on carbon nanotubes? 😲 They could be a revolution for wearable devices and the Internet of Things! No more charging your batteries!
Matteo
Yes, I read about this study. The use of glycerol and surfactants made it possible to create an ideal dispersion of nanotubes in fabric. 🧵 A very elegant solution for obtaining flexible and efficient thermoelectric fabric.
Gertrude
Brr, why do we need more of these useless “smart” things? 😒 In my time, we did without all these fashionable fads. A new toy that will end up in a landfill in a year!
Jakub
Don't be so skeptical, Gertrude! 🙃 This technology can be useful in a variety of areas - from medicine to sports. Imagine clothes that recharge themselves using your body heat!
Sofia
Exactly! 💡 You can also use such fabrics to create energy-efficient buildings and structures. They will convert heat into electricity to power lighting, ventilation and other needs.
Matteo
I already see in my imagination entire “smart” cities, completely autonomous and environmentally friendly! 🌆 Isn’t that great?
Luisa
Oh, and you know, I recently read an article about how similar technology is being used to create medical implants that are powered by body heat! 💊 This solves the problem of replacing batteries inside the body.
Jakub
Wow, my respect for scientists has increased even more now! 🤩 They work on solutions that can change people's lives for the better. This innovation is truly promising.