Porous bismuth: fabrication of 3D porous bismuth solids using bismuth coated cotton fibers and their thermoelectric properties
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In this study, a novel approach is presented in which bismuth is coated onto cotton wool fibers using sputter deposition, followed by mechanical pressing to form compact pellets. Despite the inherently low density and porous nature of the material, the resulting composite pellets exhibit Seebeck coefficients comparable to that of bulk bismuth. An enhanced thermal gradient is observed across the pellet, attributed to reduced thermal transport arising from the fibrous and porous structure. Although a reduction in electrical conductivity is noted, the present strategy suggests promising potential for lightweight and flexible thermoelectric applications. This work highlights the feasibility of using low-cost, biodegradable substrates for improving thermal gradients in waste heat recovery systems.
Source: Physica Scripta
Author: Rafiq Mulla
Institution: B.M.S. College of Engineering
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7164889224