Thermoelectric characteristics of carbon nanotube/poly(dimethylsiloxane) composites fabricated by solvent-less printing
Abstract
Organic thermoelectric materials (including materials based on carbon nanotubes) have generally been studied by preparing thin films. However, to ensure a sufficient temperature difference between the top and bottom sides of thermoelectric devices, thick layers of materials are indispensable. In this paper, we report solvent-less printing as a method to fabricate a thick layer of organic thermoelectric materials. We used a liquid polymer precursor in which carbon nanotubes were dispersed as an ink for printing. This ink solidifies as a result of the cross-linking reaction of the polymer precursor; thus, the solidification process does not involve vaporization of an organic solvent. As a result, the thickness of the layer of printed materials remains almost the same as that of the solution before drying. This method made it possible to produce carbon nanotube/polymer composites with a layer thickness of approximately 2 mm and with a good Seebeck coefficient.
- Publication:
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Japanese Journal of Applied Physics
- Pub Date:
- April 2019
- DOI:
- 10.7567/1347-4065/ab00ee
- Bibcode:
- 2019JaJAP..58BBG17S