Room-ambient operation of integrated and visualized photothermoelectric system with patterned Mo2C/PEDOT: PSS flexible devices

Abstract

Photothermoelectric (PTE) devices have emerged as highly promising technological advancements in energy harvesting and electronics. However, the development of PTE devices faces challenges in achieving exceptional performance, adaptable flexibility, durable stability, and compatibility within a system. This study proposes a self-powered PTE device that operates at room temperature by integrating molybdenum carbide (Mo2C)/ Poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene)-poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) nanomaterials with a flexible poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate. We achieve precise control over the device size through a spray coating technique and employ a laser-involved mask technique for efficient fabrication. Our Mo2C/PEDOT: PSS devices demonstrate remarkable long-term stability and outstanding flexibility and can be folded and twisted without increasing performance degradation. The devices exhibit a responsivity of 4.2 V W−1 and a detectivity of 1.2 × 108 cm Hz1/2 W−1 at 973 K black-body radiation. By employing these advantages, we integrate two potential systems—the motion tracking system and the non-destructive (NDT) imaging system—that showcase time-tracking of human radiation and high-resolution imaging. These promising platforms expand the potential of PTE technology into diverse applications, including industry, aerospace, public health, security, and wearable monitoring.