Thermoelectric Generator Research Articles

Solar-based nighttime electric power generator based on radiative cooling

This study focuses on developing and investigating a hybrid nighttime electric power generator that integrates photovoltaic (PV) cells with thermoelectric generators (TEG) to provide continuous power generation during both day and night. During the day, PV cells efficiently capture solar energy and convert it into electricity. At night, radiative cooling lowers the surface temperature of the PV panels, creating a temperature differential between the ambient air and the cooled panels. This temperature difference drives the TEG modules, which generate electricity based on the Seebeck effect. The experimental results reveal that the size and configuration of TEG modules significantly affect power output. A single 3 cm×3 cm TEG produced up to 0.9 mW of power with a 55°C temperature difference, while a larger 4 cm×4 cm TEG generated up to 3.8 mW. Furthermore, connecting two 4 cm×4 cm TEGs in series resulted in a peak output of 7.7 mW, nearly double that of the single TEG setup. This hybrid system demonstrates potential for moderate nighttime power generation, suitable for small household applications such as LED lights, laptops, phone chargers, and wireless routers. The ability to generate power both during the day and night enhances the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy systems, offering a continuous, sustainable power supply that mitigates the limitations of conventional solar panels. The results underscore the feasibility of scaling up TEG modules to achieve higher power outputs, making this system a promising solution for addressing nighttime energy demands in off-grid and low-power applications.

Waste Heat Utilization in Marine Energy Systems for Enhanced Efficiency

The maritime industry, central to global trade, faces critical challenges related to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability due to significant energy loss from waste heat in marine engines. This review investigates the potential of waste heat recovery (WHR) technologies to enhance operational efficiency and reduce emissions in marine systems. By analyzing major WHR methods, such as heat exchangers, Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems, thermoelectric generators, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems, this work highlights the specific advantages, limitations, and practical considerations of each approach. Unique to this review is an examination of WHR performance in confined marine spaces and compatibility with existing ship components, providing essential insights for practical implementation. Findings emphasize WHR as a viable strategy to reduce fuel consumption and meet environmental regulations, contributing to a more sustainable maritime industry.

Achieving High Thermoelectric, Stretchable, and Self-Healing Capabilities in Self-Supported PEDOT:PSS/Nafion/Poly(vinyl Alcohol) Composites for Wearable Thermoelectric Power Generators and Sensors

Achieving High Thermoelectric, Stretchable, and Self-Healing Capabilities in Self-Supported PEDOT:PSS/Nafion/Poly(vinyl Alcohol) Composites for Wearable Thermoelectric Power Generators and Sensors

Thermoelectric power generator module using n-type Sb₂S₃ and p-type Bi₂Te₃-coated cotton fabric for wearable device applications

Antimony trisulfide (Sb₂S₃), a binary metal chalcogenide, exhibits significant promise for energy conversion applications due to its tunable bandgap and exceptional stability under exposure to moisture and air, making it a strong candidate for thermoelectric applications. In this study, Sb₂S₃ was synthesized via co-precipitation method and subsequently coated onto cotton fabric using a formulated ink. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed its orthorhombic crystalline structure and nanorod-like morphology. Sb₂S₃ was found to possess an indirect bandgap of 1.70 eV in its amorphous phase and 1.52 eV in its crystalline phase. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed characteristic peaks at 447 cm⁻1 and 568 cm⁻1, corresponding to the symmetric stretching vibrations of Sb-O and Sb-S bonds, respectively. Current-voltage (I-V) measurements indicated near-ohmic behavior with an electrical conductivity of 2 × 10⁻⁵ S/cm, while Hall effect measurements confirmed its n-type semiconducting nature. The thermoelectric evaluation of Sb₂S₃-coated cotton fabrics demonstrated n-type behavior, with the Seebeck coefficient increasing with temperature, reaching −185 μV/K at 293 K with a notable power factor of 6.845 × 10−4 nW/cmK2. The material also exhibited low thermal conductivity (0.077 W/mK) and an effusivity of 223.95 Ws1/2/m2K. For the first time, a thermoelectric device was successfully fabricated by combining Sb₂S₃ as the n-type material with Bi₂Te₃ as the p-type material. This device, integrated into a wearable hand band, demonstrated an output voltage of 4.7 mV under a temperature difference of approximately 4 °C, highlighting its significant potential for low-power applications in wearable technology. The successful integration of these materials into a flexible substrate underscores their viability in next-generation thermoelectric energy harvesting devices.

Performance Enhancement of Thermoelectric Generator‐Radiative Cooling System With Thermal and Electrical Energy Storage

ABSTRACTA thermoelectric generator (TEG) converts thermal energy into electrical energy when temperature gradients are created across its two surfaces. Integrating the TEG with a phase change material (PCM) and radiative cooling (RC) can increase the temperature gradient across its two surfaces. In this study, a two‐layer RC paint has been developed and applied to the cold side of a TEG, and its performance was compared with TEG‐white paint and TEG‐no paint. The RC lowers the temperature of the cold side by 3.5°C and 4.7°C compared to TEGs with white paint and no paint, respectively. Integrating PCM with TEG–RC ensured a high electrical output, enabling continuous power for a typical weather sensor. The PCM–TEG–RC generated 2.7and 0.61 mW during summer and winter days in Istanbul, and nighttime outputs of 0.302 W and 0.395 mW, respectively. Despite similar costs, the electrical performance of TEG–RC was nearly double that of the TEG‐white paint. It has also been determined that a storage capacitor with a value of 0.5 F can provide 24‐h power backup to the typical weather sensor.

Valence Band Modification and Enhanced Phonon‐Phonon Interactions for High Thermoelectric Performance in GeTe

AbstractThe strong coupling between carrier and phonon transport in thermoelectric (TE) materials severely limits improvements to the figure of merit (ZT). In this work, an approach is proposed to weaken electron‐phonon coupling, effectively enhancing the TE performance of GeTe. Alloying with Zn4Sb3 reduces excessive carrier concentration (nH), widens the bandgap, and promotes band convergence, synergistically improving charge carrier transport and ensuring a high power factor. Additional Pb doping further optimizes nH, boosting the power factor even more. Moreover, phonon transport is suppressed through Pb doping, as reflected in enhanced acoustic‐optical interactions due to the crossing of optical and acoustic modes, and a reduction in sound group velocity. This reinforced strong phonon scattering, combined with multi‐scale hierarchical nano/microstructures in the matrix, significantly reduces lattice thermal conductivity. As a result, a high ZT of 2.1 is achieved at 753 K in Ge0.9Pb0.1Te+0.9%Zn4Sb3. Alongside optimized mechanical performance, a high power density of 1.46 W cm−2 is realized at a temperature difference of 350 K in the fabricated 7‐pair TE module. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of a stepwise optimization strategy for developing high‐performance TE materials.

Real‐Time Wireless Detection of Heavy Metal Ions Using a Self‐Powered Triboelectric Nanosensor Integrated with an Autonomous Thermoelectric Generator‐Powered Robotic System

AbstractThe integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) with advanced sensing technologies is transforming environmental monitoring and public health protection. In this study, a fully self‐powered and automated chemical sensing system is developed and integrated with a robotic hand for “touch and sense” detection of toxic heavy metal ions (Pb2⁺, Cr⁶⁺, As3⁺) in aquatic environments. The system combines a self‐powered solid‐liquid triboelectric nanosensor (SL‐TENS) with a thermoelectric generator (TEG), which harnesses ambient heat to power the robotic hand, eliminating the need for external power sources. The robotic hand is controlled wirelessly via an exo‐hand, minimizing the risk of exposure during remote monitoring. The sensing component uses copper oxide nanowires (CuO NWs) coated with ion‐selective membranes (ISMs) to enhance triboelectric output and enable highly selective ion detection. The system demonstrates effective real‐time, on‐site detection in lake water and data transmitted wirelessly to the user. This innovative approach provides a highly safe and efficient method for detecting hazardous pollutants in difficult‐to‐access areas, offering significant potential for wireless and real‐time environmental monitoring and hazard prevention, thus contributing to the safeguarding of human health. This study presents a novel advancement in the field of IoT‐enabled environmental monitoring systems.

Facet dependent ultralow thermal conductivity of zinc oxide coated silver fabric for thermoelectric devices

The conversion efficiency of a thermoelectric power generator depends on the dimensionless figure-of-merit (ZT) of the constituent thermoelectric materials, which is mainly determined by their Seebeck coefficient as well as the electrical and thermal conductivity. ZnO holds promise for thermoelectric applications, yet its use is currently limited by low electrical conductivity and high thermal conductivity. Herein, we demonstrate how thermal conductivity of ZnO can be significantly reduced by intelligently combining it with a cellulose-based Ag fabric using a one-step hydrothermal method, and how different ratios of zinc nitrate hexahydrate (ZNH) to hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) can be used to fine-tune the thermoelectric performance of the resulting composite. We show that as-prepared samples have a composite structure of Ag, Zn and O without any other impurity phases. We propose that the facet dependent crystal growth orientation, from the c-axis in (101) planes to the a-axis in (100) plane, amplify phonon scattering within the material, impeding effective heat transfer and thereby lowering overall thermal conductivity to 0.046 W/mK at room temperature for composites with a 1:1 ZNH to HMT ratio.

Super Moisture-Sorbent Sponge for Sustainable Atmospheric Water Harvesting and Power Generation.

Sorption-based atmospheric water harvesting (SAWH) shows great promise to mitigate the worldwide water scarcity, especially in the arid regions. Salt-based composite materials are the extensively used sorbents for SAWH, however, they suffer from complex preparation to avoid salt leakage. Furthermore, the significant amount of heat produced during water harvesting process is often neglected and wasted. Herein, an integrated strategy is developed to synthesis salt-based stable super moisture-sorbent sponge by using the chelation of LiCl and dopamine (DA), and the simultaneous polymerization of DA on melamine sponge (PMS). The as-prepared LiCl/PMS/CNTs showed high water uptake, reaching 1.26 and 1.81g g-1 at 15% and 30% RH, respectively, and no salt leakage is observed during the water absorption process. Remarkable daily water production of 3.47kg kg-1 day-1 in an arid environment (30% RH) is achieved. Moreover, a dual-function system is successfully constructed by combining the LiCl/PMS/CNTs with a thermoelectric module to fully utilize the heat generated from the SAWH process, which can realize the simultaneous production of fresh water and electricity. The maximum output power density is up to 35.4 and 454.4mW m-2 during the water absorption and desorption process, respectively.

Bi2Te3/Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Nanomaterials as Catalysts for Thermoelectric Hydrogen Peroxide Generation

Harnessing waste heat from environmental or industrial sources presents a promising approach to eco-friendly and sustainable chemical synthesis. In this study, we introduce a thermoelectrocatalytic (TECatal) system capable of utilizing even small amounts of heat for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. We developed a nanohybrid structure, combining carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Bi2Te3 nanoflakes (Bi2Te3/CNTs), through a one-pot synthesis method. Bi2Te3, as a thermoelectric (TE) material, generates charge carriers under a temperature gradient via the Seebeck effect, enabling them to participate in surface redox reactions. However, the rapid recombination of these charge carriers greatly limits the TECatal activity. In the Bi2Te3/CNTs nanohybrid system, the introduction of CNTs substantially enhances the efficiency of H2O2 production, as the strong bonding between CNTs and Bi2Te3, along with the excellent conductivity of CNTs, facilitates charge carrier separation and transport, as confirmed by TE electrochemical tests. This study underscores the significant potential of thermoelectric nanomaterials for converting waste heat into green chemical synthesis.

First-principle’s calculations to investigate structural, electronic, mechanical, optical, and thermoelectric properties of halide double perovskites K2InScX6 (X = Cl, Br, and I) for thermoelectric and optoelectronic applications

Physical properties of double perovskites K2InScX6 (X = Cl, Br, and I) are investigated using density functional theory (DFT) with generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and perdew-burke-ernerhof (PBE) exchange co-relational functional. Structural stability is confirmed through geometry optimization. Band gaps are calculated using Trans Blaha-modified Becke-Johnson (TB-mBJ) potential and GGA-PBE methods. The obtained band gaps have direct nature. The structural stability has also been confirmed by calculating enthalpy formation (ΔHf), cohesive energy (Ecoh), stiffness coefficients (Cij), tolerance (τG) and octahedral factor (µ). Two materials K2InScCl6, and K2InScBr6 are ductile and one is K2InScI6 brittle. The optical parameters inferred that the maximum absorption of photon energy lies within the visible and ultraviolet regions enabling their use in UV photodetectors and optoelectronics, where light absorption is important for performance. The thermoelectric (TE) parameters like Seebeck coefficient, thermal and electrical conductivity, carrier concentration, power factor and figure of merit ZT parameters are calculated and ZT values are 0.75, 0.94, and 0.91 for K2InScCl6, K2InScBr6, and K2InScI6 at room temperature. These results enable the development of more stable, and high-conversion efficiency devices for TE applications such as thermo-electric power generators.

Implementation of thermoelectric wall systems for sustainable indoor environment regulation in buildings through numerical and experimental performance analysis

With buildings representing a substantial portion of global energy consumption, exploring alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-based heating and cooling systems is critical. Thermoelectricity offers a promising solution by converting temperature differentials into electrical voltage or vice versa, enabling efficient indoor thermal regulation. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the integration of thermoelectric wall systems for sustainable building climate control through numerical simulations and experimental analyses. Numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques were conducted to model fluid flow and heat transfer within the thermoelectric wall systems under various operating conditions. These simulations provided insights into the system’s thermal behavior, which were validated through experimental setups designed to measure temperature differentials, airflow rates, and power consumption. The results showed that power consumption is directly correlated with electrical current, ranging from 0.19 W to 77.4 W as the current increased from 0.1 A to 2 A. Additionally, the heat absorbed by the system increased significantly with electrical current, by 706–1044%, depending on the air velocity. The thermal energy released from the hot side of the thermoelectric modules also rose substantially, ranging from 9850 to 5285% with increasing electrical current, and from 275 to 51% with higher air velocities. Moreover, increasing air velocity led to a 6.78–9.37% reduction in power consumption for currents between 0.1 A and 2 A. The coefficient of performance (COP) analysis revealed that optimizing both electrical current and air velocity is essential for maximizing system efficiency. While fan power consumption reduces COP at higher air velocities, neglecting fan power consumption results in COP improvements ranging from 6.5 × 10⁻⁴ to 49.0%. These findings highlight the potential of thermoelectric wall systems to enhance indoor comfort and energy efficiency in buildings.

High-performance floating thermoelectric generator for all-day power supply

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) offer notable benefits in harnessing diverse low-grade waste heat from the environment. However, the uninterrupted capture of these energy resources still remains a huge challenge. Herein, we have developed a temperature-adaptive floating thermoelectric generator (TAFTEG) by integrating a temperature-adaptive absorber/emitter (TAA/E) to synergistically exploit renewable energy from the sun, outer space, and the water bodies by leveraging diurnal spectrally selective absorption and nocturnal radiative cooling. The WxV1-xO2-based TAA/E demonstrates remarkably solar absorption of ∼96 % and a superior switching ability of dynamic thermal radiation modulation from the low emission of ∼45 % to high emission of ∼81 %. Assembled with 8 pairs of Bi2Te3-based TEG legs, the TAFTEG enables a stable temperature difference of 34°C under indoor solar irradiation (1 kW m−2), yielding a peak power output of ∼1.0 mW cm−2, and continuous all-day power supply under both clear and overcast conditions. This strategy paves a new avenue toward the round-the-clock power supply from ambient environments.

Bridging the gap: A comparative analysis of indoor and outdoor performance for photovoltaic-thermal-thermoelectric hybrid systems

This research evaluates the performance of a hybrid thermal-thermoelectric photovoltaic air collector system (PV/T-TE) through experimental investigations. By integrating photovoltaic (PV) panels with thermoelectric (TE) modules, the system aims to enhance efficiency and energy output by converting waste heat into additional electricity. The study examines the impact of radiation intensity, ranging from 455.65 to 795.18 W/m2, on the system's performance, utilizing output temperature (To) and plate temperature (Tp) as key metrics. Managing waste heat in PV technology remains a challenge, impacting efficiency. Traditional PV/T systems generate both electricity and thermal energy but suffer efficiency losses due to inadequate heat management. Integrating TE modules into PV/T systems offers a promising solution, but optimal configurations and performance impacts under varying conditions are underexplored. Limited research focuses on PV/T-TE hybrid systems, with most studies addressing PV-TE systems. The objectives of this research are to experimentally assess the impact of integrating TE modules on the thermal and electrical efficiency of PV/T systems under varying radiation intensities and air mass flow rates. The methodology involves setting up a PV/T-TE hybrid system, conducting experiments under controlled conditions, and analyzing key performance metrics. The study explores optimal TE module configurations and installation techniques to maximize heat transfer and electricity generation. Comparative analysis with conventional PV/T systems establishes the superiority of the hybrid system. Findings indicate significant benefits from incorporating TE modules, enhancing energy output and efficiency by maintaining optimal PV panel temperatures.

Optimal design of a high-performance heat exchanger for modular thermoelectric generator towards low-grade thermal energy recovery

Thermoelectric generator (TEG) has been identified as a promising method for low-grade thermal energy recovery owing to their lack of moving parts, scalability, and compatibility with other devices generating waste heat. Heat exchanger, as one of the most important components of the modular TEG, plays a crucial role in improving the overall performance of the TEG. Nevertheless, flow maldistribution inside the heat exchanger results in uneven surface temperature field of the heat exchanger, which will ultimately limit the output capacity of the TEG. Achieving a homogeneous flow distribution within the heat exchanger while minimizing flow resistance is essential. To address this, optimization of a plate-shaped heat exchanger for the modular TEG is conducted using CFD analysis and the Taguchi method to identify the optimal combination of parameters. The optimized heat exchanger demonstrates a flow maldistribution intensity (ζ) of only 4.75 % and a low flow resistance of 1.16 kPa. Furthermore, a unit of the modular TEG is constructed using two optimized heat exchangers and commercial thermoelectric modules (TEMs), and its performance is analyzed via an analytical model. The results indicate that the power per module, net power density, and conversion efficiency reached 1.2 W, 51.4 kW/m3, and 1.92 %, respectively, at a temperature difference of 70 °C. These findings suggest that the optimized heat exchanger could provide high output performance compared with other literature, offering significant potential for low-grade heat energy recovery.

Design and fabrication of tetradymites-based vertically oriented single and multilayer thin-film thermoelectric generators

Tetradymites-based thermoelectric materials and devices have received renewed attention due to their engineering and design flexibility, large scalability, and commercial viability in producing electricity from waste heat for niche applications in small power generation and micro refrigeration. In fact, most commercially available bulk thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are made from tetradymites. In contrast to their bulk counterparts, thin-film vertical TEGs have not been widely adopted. This can be attributable to complexities in design and fabrication methodologies, device measurement challenges, and the hurdle of maintaining a large enough temperature gradient for optimal device performance. In this study, we utilize a facile approach for the design, fabrication, and characterization of tetradymite-based n-type Bi2Te3 and p-type Sb2Te3 single-layer thermoelectric generators, as well as n-type Bi2Te3/Bi2Te2.83Se0.17 and p-type Sb2Te3/Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 alternating multilayer superlattice TEGs. State-of-the-art characterization techniques were employed to investigate the structural, chemical, and thermoelectric properties of the materials. XRD analysis showed a preferential orientation along the (100) plane with a high intensity peak at 2θ = 25.5°, and XPS spectra exhibited a high-resolution peak at 531.5 eV corresponding to the Bi 4f7/2 core level. The structural data analysis confirmed the dominant metallic phase of the materials as well as their high crystalline nature. Device characterization showed that the multilayer device performed better than the single-layer devices with a recorded voltage, power, and power density of 11 mV, 12 pW, and 15.87 mW/m3 at ΔT = 18 °C, respectively, in comparison to 9.4 mV, 7.8 pW, and 10.31 mW/m3 for the most performing single-layer devices.

Efficiency And Effectiveness Of Circuit Arrangement And Placement Of Thermoelectric For The Design Of Utilizing Zinc Roof As An Electrical Source

<p>The problem related to electrical power sources commonly encountered in society is the frequent occurrence of rotating power outages or sudden blackouts, which disrupt activities for both communities and industries as they heavily rely on electrical power to meet their needs, both collectively and individually. In order to meet the needs of society and industry, Indonesia requires a sufficiently large energy supply. One renewable energy source that can be utilized is solar energy due to its easy availability, cleanliness, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, an experimental method is employed, which utilizes the heat from zinc roofs and converts it into electrical energy using thermoelectric generators. Testing is conducted by varying the circuit arrangements, including series, parallel, and combined configurations, as well as the number of thermoelectric modules (20, 30, and 42 modules), and placement locations on zinc roofs and house ceilings, to observe the output results in terms of voltage and electrical current. As observed from the test results presented in the graphs, the output voltage and current vary for each type of circuit. Based on the use of various circuit arrangements, it can be concluded that combining thermoelectric generators results in higher current and voltage values. The greater the number of thermoelectric modules, the larger the output value. There is a difference in output values between placement on zinc roofs and ceilings, with higher output values observed when installed on zinc roofs. This is due to direct contact between the hot side of the thermoelectric generator and the inner part of the zinc roof. All data obtained from these variations depend on the temperature difference between the hot and cold sides of the thermoelectric generator. The greater the temperature difference produced, the larger the voltage and current output from the circuit. This temperature difference affects the overall performance of the circuit.</p>

Compact Vital-Sensing Band with Uninterrupted Power Supply for Core Body Temperature and Pulse Rate Monitoring.

Although wearable devices for continuous monitoring of vital signs have undergone significant advancements, their need for frequent recharging precludes continuous operation, potentially leading to adverse outcomes being overlooked. Additionally, the scattered locations of the sensors hamper wearability. Herein, we present a compact vital-sensing band with uninterrupted power supply designed for continuous monitoring of core body temperature (CBT) and pulse rate. The band─which comprises two sensors, a power source (i.e., a flexible thermoelectric generator (TEG) and a battery), and a flexible circuit─is worn on the forearm. The CBT is calculated by measuring the skin temperature and heat flux, while a triboelectric nanogenerator-based self-powered pressure sensor is utilized for pulse rate monitoring. The TEG is a flexible unit that converts body heat into electricity, accumulating a total energy of 314 mJ (100%). Out of this total energy, only 43.2 mJ (7.2%) is utilized for CBT measurements, while the remaining 270.80 mJ (92.8%) is stored in the battery. This enables reliable and continuous operation of the vital-sensing band, highlighting its potential for use in healthcare applications.

Robust and eco-friendly double perovskites X2AgFeBr6 (X = Na, Li) simulations and exploration in terms of thermoelectric aspects

In this computational work, we simulated the robust and eco-friendly double perovskites X2AgFeBr6 (X = Na, Li) for the first time in detail for green energy harvesting applications involving solar cells and thermoelectric generators. The structural, mechanical, and thermodynamic stability is assured from the Goldschmidt’s tolerance and octahedral parameters, Burn-Haun criterion, formation energies, and phonon spectra respectively. The electronic band structures and density of states informed us the semiconducting nature of the compounds with band gaps of 4.81 eV, and 3.82 eV. The thermoelectric parameters like electrical conductivity close to ∼ 1017(Ωms)-1, Seebeck coefficients up to 531.56 (μV/K), power factor in range of ∼ 1010 W/msk2, and figure of merits close to one are observed at room temperature (T = 300 K). These fascinating results provide a theoretical basis for the synthesis of lead-free double perovskites X2AgFeBr6 (X = Na, Li), which find applications in thermoelectric devices.

Superior bendability enabled by inherent in-plane elasticity in Bi2Te3 thermoelectrics

With the rapid development of modern wearable electronics, powerful and deformable thermoelectric generators have become an urgent need as the power units that convert environmental or body heat into electricity. Existing efforts mostly focused on the assistance for deformability by substrates/additives, the resultant devices usually output much less power and showed very poor power retainment. Elasticity is inherent to all solids, which therefore offers an intrinsic solution for making thermoelectrics deformable without compromise in power output because of its full recoverability. This work demonstrates this in best-performing (Bi, Sb)2(Te, Se)3 thermoelectrics near room temperature, ending up in the film devices with both extraordinary power density and robust recoverable bendability. This originates from the inherent large elasticity for the in-plane orientation, which is enabled by an easy tape stripping approach for the Van der Waals layered structure, allowing the realization of both powerfulness and bendability that are equally important for wearable thermoelectrics.