Enhanced Thermoelectric Properties of Poly(3-hexylthiophene) through the Incorporation of Aligned Carbon Nanotube Forest and Chemical Treatments

Carbon nanotube/polymer composites have recently received considerable attention for thermoelectric (TE) applications. The TE power factor can be significantly improved by forming composites with carbon nanotubes. However, the formation of a uniform and well-ordered nanocomposite film is still challenging because of the creation of agglomerates and the uneven distribution of nanotubes. Here, we developed a facile, efficient, and easy-processable route to produce uniform and aligned nanocomposite films of P3HT and carbon nanotube forest (CNTF). The electrical conductivity of a pristine P3HT film was improved from similar to 10(-7) to 160 S/cm thanks to the presence of CNTF. Also, a further boost in TE performance was achieved using two additives, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) and tert-butylpyridine. By adding the additives to P3HT, the degree of interchain order increased, which facilitated the charge transport through the composite. Under the optimal conditions, the incorporation of CNTF and additives led to values of the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and power factor up to rising 92 mu V/K, 130 S/cm, and 110 mu W/m K-2, respectively, at a temperature of 344.15 K. The excellent TE performance of the hybrid films originates from the dramatically increased electrical conductivity and the improved Seebeck coefficient by CNTF and additives, respectively.

Automated summary

Carbon nanotube/polymer composites are being widely studied for their potential applications in thermoelectric devices. By introducing carbon nanotube forests and additives to a P3HT film, a significant enhancement in thermoelectric performance was achieved, with values of Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and power factor reaching up to 92 mu V/K, 130 S/cm, and 110 mu W/m K-2, respectively, at a temperature of 344.15 K. The improved thermoelectric performance is attributed to the increased electrical conductivity and enhanced Seebeck coefficient provided by the carbon nanotube forests and additives, respectively.