Enhanced output voltage of thermoelectric generators driven by alternate triboelectric charges

Here, we report a novel thermoelectric generator (TEG) design aimed at boosting output voltage through the incorporation of ionic materials (perfluoroalkoxy and Ni) with alternating triboelectric charges. The ionic materials are attached to the cooling part of p-type BiSbTe and n-type BiTeSe TEGs, respectively. This significantly increases the electric potential difference inside the p-n junction TEG from 7.14 to 12.12 mV at the temperature difference of 20 K and the enhanced output voltage is maintained over 24 h. Finally, a TEG consisting of 11 p-n junction legs generates an output voltage of 0.167 V and the charged energy of 10 mF-capacitor is also boosted within 21 s.(c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.