High‐Compliance, Self‐Sustained Flexible Thermoelectric Systems for Wearable Biosignal Tracking and Tactile Feedback

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Authors: Xingzhong Zhang, Shijie Fang, Sulin Hua, Zhihua Xiong, Rui Xiong
Cited by: 4
References: 32

Abstract

ABSTRACT Flexible thermoelectric generators (TEGs) capable of conformal contact with curved heat sources, offering a promising approach for efficiently converting body heat into electrical energy to power wearable electronics. However, existing TEG typically suffer from inadequate mechanical flexibility, limited thermal conductivity efficiency, and insufficient conformability to complex geometries. Herein, we present a self‐powered wearable TEG for continuous health monitoring and thermal perception. A high thermal conductivity elastic composite (Ecoflex/EGaIn/GNSs) overcomes the flexibility‐thermal management trade‐off, achieving 1.45 W·m −1 ·K −1 and 735.5% strain. The optimized device exhibits superior output performance, delivering an output voltage of 494.81 mV and a power density of 12.96 mW/cm 2 under a temperature difference of 35 K. The stretchable Ecoflex substrate combined with a serpentine electrode design effectively enhances mechanical reliability and enables intimate contact with complex 3D surfaces. Demonstrated applications encompass self‐powered smartwatches, health monitoring devices, and thermal sensing gloves for temperature warning. This work establishes a compelling pathway toward adaptive thermoelectric (TE) electronic skin for next‐generation human‐machine interactive systems.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Devices Advanced Materials and Mechanics

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Functional Materials
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
36
Issue
42
Publication date
18 March 2026
Language
EN