Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of PVA-Based Ionogels: Tailoring Crystallinity via Additives for Advanced Waste Heat Recovery

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Abstract

Converting low-grade waste heat into electricity is crucial for green energy. This study introduces an innovative approach using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based ionogels incorporating 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([EMIM][DCA]) and specific additives: 2-carboxyphenylacetic acid (H), 2-sulfobenzoic acid (S), and 2-carboxyphenyl phosphate (P)). These additives enable successful tailoring of the crystallinity, leading to a substantial increase in the ionic figure-of-merit (zT_i), from 0.006 for the PVA ionogel to 0.27 for the ionogel with P additives. Furthermore, the P-additive ionogels exhibit excellent mechanical properties, with a tensile stress of 1.75 MPa and a strain of 460%. A four-pair ionic thermoelectric capacitor made from these ionogels generates 0.33 V and achieves a power output of 2.4 mW m-2. This advancement significantly improves the thermoelectric performance of PVA ionogels, aiding in efficient waste heat utilization and sustainable energy development.

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