OS5-1-1 インクジェット技術を用いたマイクロ熱電モジュールの開発(OS5 マイクロ・ナノと熱電変換(1))

Abstract

We have developed the fabrication process of planer-type thermoelectric module by application of ink-jet technique. Both p- and n-type thermoelectric inks were prepared by the dispersion of Bi-Te thermoelectric material particles into solvent. The ink-jet printed planer-type thermoelectric module with five p-n pairs demonstrates satisfactory thermopower by 340μV/K per one-pair. This thermopower is nearly corresponding to the values of commercial bulk Bi-Te thermoelectric materials. We have also succeeded the printing of small size thermoelectric module and module-printing on a flexible substrate. These results indicate that the ink-jet technique is a breakthrough for the fabrication of micro-sized thermoelectric modules for energy-harvesting.