Multi-dimensional nanocomposites for stretchable thermoelectric applications

Wearable power sources should be stretchable to provide continuous electricity to devices. In spite of significant progress in the field of wearable electronics, the development of stretchable power sources is still challenging. In this study, we developed a high-performance stretchable thermoelectric generator using multi-dimensional nanocomposites. The thermoelectric power of the metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheet-based active film was significantly enhanced by adding highly conducting single wall carbon nanotubes (one-dimensional material) bridging the multi-stacked TMD nanosheets, which improved the electrical conductivity and morphological stability of the active film, thus increasing its thermoelectric power factor (47 mu W/K-2 m). The wrinkles on the nanocomposite film rendered it geometrically stretchable. The wrinkled nanocomposite showed significantly improved thermoelectric properties and excellent strain resistance because of the slipping of the TMD nanosheets as a lubricant to release the strain applied to the wrinkles during stretching. Published under license by AIP Publishing.