Abstract. In order to solve the problem of larger internal resistance of thin-film thermoelectric generator (TEG) in series, which could influence the output power and restrict the application, the in-plane carbon nanotube (CNT) TEG in parallel was ingeniously researched. Utilizing the parameters of output power, conversion and energy efficiencies, the ideal and actual models of TEG in parallel were established, respectively. The thermal conduction insulating layer was taken into account, which could provide the theoretical guidance for the experimental test and engineering applications. The CNT films were prepared by the floating-catalyst chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and the experiment and properties of TEG based on CNT films were investigated. The testing circuits of conventional and gas TEGs were designed, and the output powers of the serial and parallel connecting types were tested and compared. The correctness of theoretical model and numerical analysis was proved to be valid. The novel method could effectively enhance the output power, extend the applied range of TEG in MEMS/NEMS and had a fine prospect.
In this work, the electrical conductance and induced current of 3-dimensional graphene foam (GF) are investigated when the mixture of water and ethanol flows through it. When different mixing ratios of ethanol: water (ethanol: water = 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0 by volume) flow through the GFs, their electrical conductance are almost the same as that of original GF. Meanwhile, the induced current can be obtained when the mixture flows through the GF. The direction of induced current depends on that of the flow of mixture, the value of induced current has no matter with the flow direction of mixture but is closely related to the flow velocity and polarity of mixture. The mechanism of the induced electricity is discussed, which is attributed to the coupling of flowing solution molecules with the charge carriers of graphene at the solid/liquid interface. These results indicate that GFs have a bright potential application in realizing the self-powered function of nano/micro electromechanical systems (N/MEMS) in many special environments.
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