Issue 35, 2024

Recent advances in ionic thermoelectric systems and theoretical modelling

Abstract

Converting waste heat from solar radiation and industrial processes into useable electricity remains a challenge due to limitations of traditional thermoelectrics. Ionic thermoelectric (i-TE) materials offer a compelling alternative to traditional thermoelectrics due to their excellent ionic thermopower, low thermal conductivity, and abundant material options. This review categorizes i-TE materials into thermally diffusive and thermogalvanic types, with an emphasis on the former due to its superior thermopower. This review also highlights the i-TE materials for creating ionic thermoelectric supercapacitors (ITESCs) that can generate significantly higher voltages from low-grade heat sources compared to conventional technologies. Additionally, it explores thermogalvanic cells and combined devices, discussing key optimization parameters and theoretical modeling approaches for maximizing material and device performance. Future directions aim to enhance i-TE material performance and address low energy density challenges for flexible and wearable applications. Herein, the cutting-edge of i-TE materials are comprehensively outlined, empowering researchers to develop next-generation waste heat harvesting technologies for a more sustainable future.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in ionic thermoelectric systems and theoretical modelling

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
24 6 2024
Accepted
20 8 2024
First published
20 8 2024
This article is Open Access

All publication charges for this article have been paid for by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 14122-14153

Recent advances in ionic thermoelectric systems and theoretical modelling

N. Jabeen, M. Muddasar, N. Menéndez, M. A. Nasiri, C. M. Gómez, M. N. Collins, R. Muñoz-Espí, A. Cantarero and M. Culebras, Chem. Sci., 2024, 15, 14122 DOI: 10.1039/D4SC04158E

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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