High-performance cryo-temperature ionic thermoelectric liquid cell developed through a eutectic solvent strategy

Abstract

Ionic thermoelectric (i-TE) liquid cells offer an environmentally friendly, cost effective, and easy-operation route to low-grade heat recovery. However, the lowest temperature is limited by the freezing temperature of the aqueous electrolyte. Applying a eutectic solvent strategy, we fabricate a high-performance cryo-temperature i-TE liquid cell. Formamide is used as a chaotic organic solvent that destroys the hydrogen bond network between water molecules, forming a deep eutectic solvent that enables the cell to operate near cryo temperatures (down to –35 °C). After synergistic optimization of the electrode and cell structure, the as-fabricated liquid i-TE cell with cold (–35 °C) and hot (70 °C) ends achieve a high power density (17.5 W m−2) and a large two-hour energy density (27 kJ m−2). In a prototype 25-cell module, the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current are 6.9 V and 68 mA, respectively, and the maximum power is 131 mW. The anti-freezing ability and high output performance of the as-fabricated i-TE liquid cell system are requisites for applications in frigid regions.