Ultrafast Response and Threshold Adjustable Intelligent Thermoelectric Systems for Next-Generation Self-Powered Remote IoT Fire Warning

Abstract

Fire warning is vital to human life, economy and ecology. However, the development of effective warning systems faces great challenges of fast response, adjustable threshold and remote detecting. Here, we propose an intelligent self-powered remote IoT fire warning system, by employing single-walled carbon nanotube/titanium carbide thermoelectric composite films. The flexible films, prepared by a convenient solution mixing, display p-type characteristic with excellent high-temperature stability, flame retardancy and TE (power factor of 239.7 ± 15.8 μW m−1 K−2) performances. The comprehensive morphology and structural analyses shed light on the underlying mechanisms. And the assembled TE devices (TEDs) exhibit fast fire warning with adjustable warning threshold voltages (1–10 mV). Excitingly, an ultrafast fire warning response time of ~ 0.1 s at 1 mV threshold voltage is achieved, rivaling many state-of-the-art systems. Furthermore, TE fire warning systems reveal outstanding stability after 50 repeated cycles and desired durability even undergoing 180 days of air exposure. Finally, a TED-based wireless intelligent fire warning system has been developed by coupling an amplifier, analog-to-digital converter and Bluetooth module. By combining TE characteristics, high-temperature stability and flame retardancy with wireless IoT signal transmission, TE-based hybrid system developed here is promising for next-generation self-powered remote IoT fire warning applications. (Figure presented.)