Research Projects

The miniaturization of electronic devices has led to a growing need for power sources with continuous output. A wearable thermoelectric generator (WTEG) that converts human body heat into electricity without external work or moving parts is highly promising. silver-based chalcogenides, with their high electrical conductivity, narrow band gap, low thermal conductivity, and moderate seebeck coefficient, are ideal for room-temperature thermoelectric applications. Carbon fabric, with its high flexibility and electrical conductivity, is a promising substitute for conventional flexible substrates. The proposal aims to grow p-Agsbse2 and n-Ag2se on conductive carbon fabric using an in-situ hydrothermal technique. This process enhances charge transfer and durability of the device. By decoupling the seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity via band engineering, optimized thermoelectric performance can be achieved. The highest-performing samples will be used to fabricate a WTEG to harvest human body heat for a self-powered health monitoring system. The objectives include synthesizing n-Ag₂se and p-Agsbse₂ on conducting fabrics, tuning the band structure, designing and fabricating an in-plane WTEG device structure, optimizing the device structure and components to reduce thermal resistance, and developing a prototype of a self-powered health monitoring system.