Synergistic Ag/In Co-doping-Induced Band and Interface Engineering in p-Type CuSe on Carbon Fabric for a Flexible Thermoelectric Generator

Abstract

In the present work, a dual-doping strategy with silver (Ag) and indium (In) in copper selenide (CuSe) nanoparticles on conductive carbon fabric (CF) has been employed with a facile hydrothermal technique. This co-doping strategy outperforms single-element doping by enabling the simultaneous optimization of carrier concentration and charge transport. A highest Seebeck coefficient of 17.6 ± 0.35 μV/K and a power factor of 4.29 ± 0.08 μW/mK2 are attained by the highest doped sample, (Cu0.3Ag0.4In0.3) Se, at a ΔT of 35 K. The observed enhancement in the Seebeck coefficient is likely associated with the proposed energy-filtering effect originating from interfacial barriers created by Ag and In dopants in the CuSe matrix. Furthermore, a Flexible thermoelectric generator (f-TEG) was produced utilizing six TE-leg, where (Ag, In)-co-doped CuSe serving as a p-type material. The f-TEG produces an output voltage of 1.81 mV, a ΔT of 100 K, and a maximum output power (Pmax) of 4.86 nW at a ΔT of 20 K. When the f-TEG is included in a mask, the f-TEG can track respiratory rate by measuring the temperature differential between the surroundings and exhalation. The f-TEG can gather body heat, movement, and sun energy in a synergistic way when it is placed in a sleeve to create a self-power supply. CF-based wearable thermoelectric generators, which have a lot of potential for use in self-powered wearable electronics and health monitoring for people with visual impairments, are made straightforward, easily accessible, and scalable.