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Phase transition driven tough hydrogel ionic thermoelectric cell with giant thermopower

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Listed:
  • Xiaofang Shi

    (Henan Normal University)

  • Yingjie Li

    (Henan Normal University)

  • Nan Shi

    (Henan Normal University)

  • Chengyu Ji

    (Henan Normal University)

  • Lei Hou

    (Donghua University)

  • Yingkun Shi

    (Donghua University)

  • Jianyao Xu

    (Henan Normal University)

  • Yarong Lan

    (Henan Normal University)

  • Qingcong Wei

    (Henan Normal University)

  • Guanglei Ma

    (Henan Normal University)

  • Peiyi Wu

    (Donghua University)

  • Zhiguo Hu

    (Henan Normal University)

Abstract

The application of quasi-solid ionic thermoelectric (i-TE) cells holds great potential for powering ubiquitous wearable electronics without the need for cables or batteries. However, their practical application is restricted by low thermopower. Herein, a temperature-responsive supramolecular hydrogel, P(N-acryloylsemicarbazide-co-acrylic acid) (PNA), has been developed as a i-TE cell that integrates good mechanical and electrochemical properties. The volume phase transition (VPT) of PNA i-TE cell can generate a substantial ion entropy difference, thereby enhancing both the redox reaction efficiency and ionic thermodiffusion rate. A single PNA i-TE cell can generate a thermopower of 2.04 volts with a temperature difference of 50 K. The Seebeck coefficient (Se), specific output power density ( $${P}_{\max }/{(\Delta T)}^{2}$$ P max / ( Δ T ) 2 ) and figure of merit (ZT) of PNA i-TE cell can reach up to 40.9 mV K−1, 35.2 mW m−2 K−2 and 1.33 respectively. This ionic hydrogel is promising for the design of high performance polymer based i-TE cells in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaofang Shi & Yingjie Li & Nan Shi & Chengyu Ji & Lei Hou & Yingkun Shi & Jianyao Xu & Yarong Lan & Qingcong Wei & Guanglei Ma & Peiyi Wu & Zhiguo Hu, 2025. "Phase transition driven tough hydrogel ionic thermoelectric cell with giant thermopower," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-64054-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64054-1
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