Work

Development of Micro-Thermoelectric Generators for Powering Wearable Devices

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this work, we demonstrate and discuss the fabrication and performance of the micro thermoelectric generator (micro-TEG) for near room temperature on-body applications. A device size of 3.5×4.5 mm2 is fabricated with two unique approaches: flip-chip bonding approach and suspended bridge device on a single silicon wafer. Both top and bottom gold (Au) interconnect, p-type CuSbTe and n-type Bi2Te3 thermoelectric materials are grown by the electrodeposition process. Flip-chip bonding delivers robust devices that can be directly used for the energy harvesting applications. This device, at a temperature gradient of 5 K and 10 K delivers a voltage output of 46 and 85 mV, respectively. A power density of 11.32 and 40.13 µW/cm2 is achieved for those two temperature gradients. Thus, the micro-TEG developed in this work can offer a platform for providing electrical energy for wearable IoT devices.

Source: Applied Thermal Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2025.125579

Authors: Amit Tanwar, Rajvinder Kaur, N. Padmanathan, Ann Foley, Kafil M. Razeeb

Institutions: University College Cork, Tyndall National Institute

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,660