Solution-Processable Flexible Hydrogel Encapsulated Device Based on Hydroxo Complex Conducting Films
발표자
김지현 (충남대학교)
연구책임자
김병관 (충남대학교)
공동저자
김지현 (충남대학교), 조강현 (충남대학교), 김병관 (충남대학교)
초록
내용
Mixed ionic-electronic conductors have attracted significant attention to their potential to enhance thermoelectric (TE) performance by coupling outstanding thermovoltage derived from ion diffusion with the high electrical conductivity of electronic transport. Herein, tetravalent cation-doped proton conductor (TPC) thin films were fabricated by incorporating SnCl4 into PEDOT:PSS. The Sn4+-based hydroxo-complexes serve as high-concentration proton sources, while their combination with the PEDOT:PSS matrix facilitates the formation of ionic conduction pathways that enable the rapid transport of H+ and Sn4+ cations. By precisely controlling the relative humidity (RH) and aggregation behavior, an exceptional Seebeck coefficient of 38.4 mV K-1 was achieved at room temperature and 90% RH. Building upon these achievements, we realized a solution-processable device encapsulated within a hydrogel layer. The MOF-integrated hydrogel absorbed moisture from the environment while effectively blocking ion penetration, thereby serving as both the chamber and substrate for the thermoelectric device. Taking advantage of its intrinsic flexibility and self-moisture-harvesting capability, the device maintained stable operation even under low humidity conditions (~40% RH), enabling its successful integration into wearable thermoelectric rings