Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• A self-assembled flexible Ti3C2Tx MXene-based thermally chargeable supercapacitor (TCSC) was successfully fabricated using Ti3C2Tx MXene as the electrode and NaClO4/PEO gel as the electrolyte. • The TCSC device exhibits an excellent average Seebeck coefficient of 11.8 mV·K−1, enabling efficient thermal-to-electrical energy conversion. • The device demonstrates good cycling stability under various temperature differences, indicating reliable performance for practical applications. • Multiple practical demonstrations confirm that Ti3C2Tx MXene-based TCSCs are promising candidates for self-powered integrated electronic devices.
Abstract
Thermally chargeable supercapacitors (TCSCs) have unique advantages in the collection, conversion, and storage of thermal energy, contributing to the development of new strategies for thermal energy utilization. 2D MXene materials are predicted to be highly promising new thermoelectric materials. Here, we report a self-assembled flexible Ti3C2Tx MXene-based TCSC device, using prepared Ti3C2Tx MXene as the capacitor electrode and a NaClO4/PEO gel as the electrolyte. We also explore the working mechanism of the TCSCs. The fabricated Ti3C2Tx-based TCSCs exhibit an excellent Seebeck coefficient of 11.8 mV∙K−1 on average and maintain good cycling stability under various temperature differences. Demonstrations of multiple practical applications show that Ti3C2Tx MXene-based TCSC devices are excellent candidates for self-powered integrated electronic devices.
1. Introduction
Finding green energy sources that can help combat global warming and environmental pollution is an urgent challenge. Thermal energy has been developed as a promising sustainable energy source, naturally present in various scenarios in nature and human life, which can be derived from natural heat sources such as sunlight, fuel, and mechanical work, as well as from human body temperature (36−37 °C), providing a continuous and harvestable heat source. Unfortunately, thermal energy collection and conversion devices suffer from low current transformation efficiency, with most thermal energy being wasted and even potentially contributing to thermal pollution. Therefore, developing a device that can effectively collect, convert, and store thermal energy is meaningful.
Common thermoelectric devices include thermal energy exchange systems, thermoelectric generators (TE), and thermally chargeable supercapacitors (TCSCs). Among them, TCSCs possess the advantages of high output voltage, simple fabrication processes, ease of miniaturization, and flexible integration, and exhibit the unique ability to independently collect, convert, and store thermal energy compared to TE devices. As a result, TCSCs are widely regarded as excellent candidates for flexible integration in self-powered devices. TCSCs rely on the Seebeck effect to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, so the core parameter for evaluating the thermoelectric performance is the magnitude of the Seebeck coefficient. Ionic conductors have garnered significant attention due to their Seebeck coefficients, which are several orders of magnitude higher than those of electronic conductors. Two-dimensional titanium carbide MXene (Ti3C2Tx) is considered as a promising thermoelectric material due to its high carrier conductivity, rapid ion transport, and high Hall mobility. Recent studies have explored the thermoelectric properties of Ti3C2Tx MXene. For example, Park and co-workers inv...
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Lifeng Wu, La Li, Guozhen Shen (2025). Self-assembled flexible Ti3C2Tx MXene-based thermally chargeable supercapacitor. SinoTechIntel Verified Research. https://doi.org/10.1088/1674-4926/25030009
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a thermally chargeable supercapacitor (TCSC)?
A thermally chargeable supercapacitor (TCSC) is a device that combines the functions of a supercapacitor and a thermoelectric generator. It utilizes the Seebeck effect to convert thermal energy into electrical energy and stores it electrostatically, offering advantages such as high output voltage, simple fabrication, and flexibility.
What is the significance of the Seebeck coefficient in TCSCs?
The Seebeck coefficient measures the voltage generated per unit temperature difference across a material. In TCSCs, a high Seebeck coefficient is crucial for efficient thermal-to-electrical energy conversion. The reported Ti3C2Tx MXene-based TCSC achieves an average Seebeck coefficient of 11.8 mV·K−1, which is exceptionally high and enables effective energy harvesting.
How does the Ti3C2Tx MXene-based TCSC work?
The TCSC operates based on the Soret effect, where temperature gradients induce ion migration in the electrolyte (NaClO4/PEO gel). The Ti3C2Tx MXene electrodes facilitate rapid ion transport and high carrier conductivity, leading to a significant Seebeck effect and charge storage. The device converts thermal energy into electrical energy and stores it as electrochemical charge.
What are the potential applications of this TCSC?
The Ti3C2Tx MXene-based TCSC is suitable for self-powered integrated electronic devices, such as wearable sensors, portable electronics, and remote monitoring systems. Its flexibility and ability to harvest low-grade heat from the environment or human body make it ideal for sustainable energy solutions.
What are the key advantages of using MXene in TCSCs?
MXene (Ti3C2Tx) offers high electrical conductivity, rapid ion transport, and high Hall mobility, which enhance the thermoelectric performance. Additionally, its 2D structure and surface functional groups allow for self-assembly and flexibility, making it an excellent electrode material for flexible TCSCs.
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