Flexible, High-Power Density, Wearable Thermoelectric Nanogenerator and Self-Powered Temperature Sensor.We propose a flexible and wearable thermoelectric nanogenerator (FTEG) made from Bi2Te3, which allows high voltage and output power density.  The proposed FTEG works as a thermopile with the end-to-end connection of 126 thermoelectric legs, and which is fabricated through magnetron sputtering Cu conductor on polyethylene terephthalate film.  Bi, Te, Sb, and Se alloys are used to prepare thermoelectric materials by doping in a fixed proportion and zone melting, and nickel plating on the surface mitigates the deterioration of thermoelectric properties caused by the diffusion of Cu atoms or Cu+ ions.  The thermoelectric figure of merit is stable and maintained above 0.7, up to 1.02.  Furthermore, the FTEG is temperature-sensitive and, thus, can be used for temperature measurement with a resolution of 0.5 K. This work may have important prospects in flexible wearable physical sensors and individualized medical care.
THERM