Development of Redox-Gel Electrolyte for Wearable Thermocells

The thermo-electrochemical cells (TECs, known as thermocells) provide a new potential for self-powered devices by converting heat energy into electricity through redox reactions driven by the presence of a temperature gradient. Among multiple power sources, human body heat has attracted the attention in last decades due to its continuously releasing heat energy. For harvesting body waste heat, the wearable thermocell is urgent to develop, where the gel electrolyte is the most essential component. Wearable thermocell devices could be twisted or stretched during realistic applications, therefore flexible gel-based solid-state electrolytes are the ideal candidate to avoid the leakage issue and maintain integrity while deformations. Tremendous progress has been achieved in developing flexible gel electrolytes, however, challenges are still remained in compatibility, mechanical strength and electrochemical performance. In this thesis, the primary purpose is to develop high performance gel electrolytes for wearable thermal-electrochemical cells. Initially, the suitable polymer will match the unique redox couple. Additionally, the effort should focus on improving electrochemical properties especially the issue of ion transfer limited by the gel system. Meanwhile, the mechanical strength of gel electrolytes is also needed to pursue to satisfy the movement of human limbs.