Work

Nano-Silica-Modified Hydrophobic PDMS Encapsulation on CNT Thermoelectric Fibers for Waterproof Thermoelectric Textiles

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Flexible and wearable thermoelectric devices can convert body waste heat into electricity, showing a new direction to solve the long-lasting issue of energy supply on portable devices. However, thermoelectric fibers are prone to short circuits and failure due to sweat stains and washing practices. Therefore, it is quite necessary to solve this problem to realize the practical thermoelectric device. PDMS, with its excellent insulation and flexibility, can effectively address short-circuit issues by encapsulating the surface of thermoelectric fibers. In this work, hydrophilic nano-silica (H-SiO2)-modified PDMS that insulates materials was prepared and coated on the surfaces of polyethyleneimine (PEI)- and hydrochloric acid (HCl)-treated dual-surface-modified thermoelectric fibers. The encapsulated fibers were then woven into spacer fabric to prepare thermoelectric textiles (TETs). After 50 water washing cycles, the fibers retained 97% of their conductivity, and the textiles continued to function normally underwater, indicating that the thermoelectric fibers are effectively protected under PDMS encapsulation.

Source: Textiles

DOI: 10.3390/textiles5040052

Authors: Boxuan Zhang, Mingyuan Ma, Shengyu Wang, Hanyu Cai, Dawei Li, Peng Gu

Institution: Jiangnan University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207

Funder: Government of Jiangsu Province