3D-printed Bi2Te3-based thermoelectric devices with phase-change heat sinks: toward efficient energy harvesting and ultra-fast temperature sensing

Abstract

Conventional manufacturing methods impose inherent limitations on both the degree of design freedom and out-of-plane structural design of thermoelectric devices, thereby significantly hindering their adaptability and performance in practical applications. To address this, we employ direct ink writing (DIW) 3D-printing to fabricate an out-of-plane Bi₂Te₃-based device. This approach utilizes a Pluronic F-127-based ink with reversible temperature-dependent properties for structural fabrication. The printed device demonstrates efficient energy harvesting, achieving an output power of 169.45 nW. Furthermore, by integrating a 3D-printed phase-change material (PCM) as a heat sink, the temperature gradient between the hot and cold sides of the device is significantly enhanced, boosting the output power by approximately 150% to 377.50 nW. In particular, the device also exhibits ultra-fast temperature sensing capabilities, which we have successfully integrated into a wireless temperature alarm system. This work highlights a promising strategy for advanced thermal management and intelligent sensing in potential Internet of Things (IoT) applications.