Colossal thermo-hydro-electrochemical voltage generation for self-sustainable operation of electronics

Thermoelectric devices convert heat into electricity but are limited by the small voltage generated from the Seebeck effect. This paper presents a thermo-hydro-electrochemical approach that generates a large thermal-to-electrical energy conversion factor (-87 mV K⁻¹) using low-cost carbon steel electrodes and a solid-state polyeletrolyte. The thermo-diffusion of water in the polyeletrolyte under a temperature gradient alters the corrosion overpotential, generating output power. This finding facilitates further research to increase the energy conversion factor and utilize wasted thermal energy.

Yufan Zhang, Ahrum Sohn, Anirban Chakraborty, Choongho Yu