Exploring the potential of Te@Carbon–Rich hybrid nanocables/PDMS composites for Solar–Driven thermoelectric power generation

Abstract

This study pioneers the integration of Te@carbon–rich hybrid nanocables (NCs) as fillers into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix, yielding a composite tailored for efficient solar–driven power generation. The distinctive synergy between Te NWs and the carbonaceous shell within the NCs could play a crucial role in efficiently enhancing photo–assisted thermoelectric power generation. When subjected to 1 sun light illumination, the pure PDMS film displayed an output voltage of 54.8 mV and a current of 17.2 mA. However, the introduction of carbonaceous nanospheres (NSs) into PDMS resulted in improved performance, with the NSs/PDMS composite achieving voltage values of 71.7 mV and current values of 22.4 mA, corresponding to a power generation of ∼1600 μW. Notably, the addition of nanocables (NCs) significantly enhanced power generation, with the NCs/PDMS composite reaching maximum values of 94.3 mV for voltage and 33.4 mA for current, resulting in a power output of ∼3150 μW. This enhancement stems from the increased photothermal performance facilitated by the collaboration of two photothermal mechanisms: non–radiative recombination (Te NWs core) and lattice relaxation (carbonaceous shell). These NCs/PDMS flexible composites, leveraging Te, C, and PDMS benefits, show promise for solar–driven power generation, offering a path to a sustainable future.