Zn-based thermal charging devices,utilizing the synergistic effect of ion thermoextraction and thermodiffusion,are able to efficiently convert thermal energy into electrical energy and storage in the devices,making th...Zn-based thermal charging devices,utilizing the synergistic effect of ion thermoextraction and thermodiffusion,are able to efficiently convert thermal energy into electrical energy and storage in the devices,making them a highly promising technology for low-grade heat recovery and utilization.However,the low output power density and energy conversion efficiency resulted by the slow diffusion kinetics of Zn^(2+)hinder their development.Herein,we present a highperformance thermal charging cell design using Zn^(2+)/NH_(4)^(+)hybrid ion electrolyte,which not only maintains the high output voltage of the Zn-based thermoelectric system,but also significantly enhances the output power density due to the fast diffusion kinetics of NH_(4)^(+).Based on this strategy,the thermal charging cell displays a high thermopower of 12.5 mV K^(-1)and an excellent normalized power density of 19.6 mW m^(-2)K^(-2)at a temperature difference of 35 K.The Carnot-relative efficiency is as high as 12.74%.Moreover,it can operate continuously for over 72 h when the temperature difference persists,achieving a balance between thermoelectric conversion and output.This work provides a simple and effective strategy for the design of high-performance thermal charging cells for low-grade heat conversion and utilization.展开更多
基金supported by the Leading Edge Technology of Jiangsu Province(BK20222009-X.Z.,BK20202008-X.Z.)Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)National Undergraduate Innovation Training Program of NUAA(202410287179Y).
文摘Zn-based thermal charging devices,utilizing the synergistic effect of ion thermoextraction and thermodiffusion,are able to efficiently convert thermal energy into electrical energy and storage in the devices,making them a highly promising technology for low-grade heat recovery and utilization.However,the low output power density and energy conversion efficiency resulted by the slow diffusion kinetics of Zn^(2+)hinder their development.Herein,we present a highperformance thermal charging cell design using Zn^(2+)/NH_(4)^(+)hybrid ion electrolyte,which not only maintains the high output voltage of the Zn-based thermoelectric system,but also significantly enhances the output power density due to the fast diffusion kinetics of NH_(4)^(+).Based on this strategy,the thermal charging cell displays a high thermopower of 12.5 mV K^(-1)and an excellent normalized power density of 19.6 mW m^(-2)K^(-2)at a temperature difference of 35 K.The Carnot-relative efficiency is as high as 12.74%.Moreover,it can operate continuously for over 72 h when the temperature difference persists,achieving a balance between thermoelectric conversion and output.This work provides a simple and effective strategy for the design of high-performance thermal charging cells for low-grade heat conversion and utilization.
