Flexible Thermoelectric Devices with Flexible Heatsinks of Phase-Change Materials and Stretchable Interconnectors of Semi-Liquid Metals

Flexible thermoelectric (TE) devices offer great potentialforwearable thermal management and self-powered systems, but heat dissipationand electrical interconnection remain key challenges. In this study,we address these issues by integrating flexible TE devices with phase-changematerial (PCM) heatsinks and stretchable semi-liquid metal (semi-LM)interconnectors. The effectiveness of PCMs with varying melting pointsfor temperature regulation in different environmental conditions isdemonstrated, delivering cooling effects exceeding 10 degrees C. Furthermore,the utilization of semi-LMs instead of LMs enables excellent stretchabilityand efficient heat dissipation. Moreover, the TE devices generatepower with a density of 7.3 mu W/cm(2) at an ambienttemperature of 22 degrees C, making it an ideal power source for a wearableself-powered sensing system. Successful integration into garmentsand armbands confirms the practicality and adaptability of these flexiblethermoelectric devices, establishing them as critical components forfuture wearables with superior resilience to daily wear and tear.

Automated summary

This study addresses the challenges of heat dissipation and electrical interconnection in flexible thermoelectric (TE) devices by integrating them with phase-change material (PCM) heatsinks and stretchable semi-liquid metal (semi-LM) interconnectors. The effectiveness of PCMs with varying melting points in temperature regulation is demonstrated, providing cooling effects exceeding 10 degrees C. The use of semi-LMs instead of LMs enables excellent stretchability and efficient heat dissipation. Additionally, the TE devices generate power with a density of 7.3 mu W/cm(2) at an ambient temperature of 22 degrees C, making them an ideal power source for wearable self-powered sensing systems. Successful integration into garments and armbands confirms the practicality and adaptability of these flexible thermoelectric devices, establishing them as critical components for future wearables with superior resilience to daily wear and tear.