The integration of a fully printed carbon nanotube-based thermoelectric generator as a functional structural lamina within CFRP laminate composite: Powering electronic devices and wireless data transmission from multifunctional composites

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

  • Christos K. Mytafides - , University of Ioannina (Autor:in)
  • Lazaros Tzounis - , University of Ioannina, Hellenic Mediterranean University (Autor:in)
  • Marco Liebscher - , Professur für Baustoffe (Autor:in)
  • Alkiviadis S. Paipetis - , University of Ioannina (Autor:in)

Abstract

This work demonstrates the thermoelectric functionalization of a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite laminate utilizing single walled carbon nanotube-based (SWCNTs) targeted printing processes. Aqueous dispersions comprising carbon nanotubes of alternating n- and p-type materials were employed to print fiber reinforcements using facile ink dispensing methods. The optimum printed thermoelectric (TE) n- and p-type films, demonstrate the significant values of 109 and 148 μW/mK2 οf power factor respectively. Under ambient conditions (1 atm, RH: 50 ± 5 %), the thermoelectrically functionalized CFRP operates steadily at temperatures as high as 140 °C. SWCNTs were printed via a mask-assisted process to form TE modules, yielding exceptional TE characteristics and high efficiency for a carbon-based structural element. The integrated SWCNT-based thermoelectric generator (TEG) within the CFRP demonstrates decent stability, achieving TE values of VOC = 232 mV, ISC = 510 μA, RTEG = 455 Ω, and a maximum power of PMAX = 30 μW under a ΔΤ = 50 K (TCOLD = 55°C). Additionally, the CFRP-TEG shows excellent bending strength and flexural modulus of 1044 MPa and 58 GPa, respectively, maintaining its mechanical properties while providing energy-harvesting capabilities. This structural energy-harvesting component is highly adaptable, enabling large-scale printed production of thermoelectrically-enabled laminate composites.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer104234
FachzeitschriftSustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments
Jahrgang75
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - März 2025
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Schlagworte

Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung

Schlagwörter

  • Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites, Energy-harvesting structural composites, Multifunctional composites, Single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), Thermoelectric generator (TEG)