N-Type Nanocomposite Films Combining SWCNTs, BiTe Nanoplates, and Cationic Surfactant for Pn-Junction Thermoelectric Generators with Self-Generated Temperature Gradient Under Uniform Sunlight Irradiation.

Flexible thermoelectric generators (TEGs) with pn-junction single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) films on a polyimide substrate have attracted considerable attention for energy harvesting. This is because they generate electricity through the photo-thermoelectric effect by self-generated temperature gradient under uniform sunlight irradiation. To increase the performance and durability of the pn-junction TEGs, n-type films need to be improved as a priority.