Wang Genghua, Zhang Shiwei, Li Xiaotian, Zheng Jili, Wang Lixia, Zhou Xinyu, Zhang Jun
College of Energy and Power Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry Zhengzhou 450002 China.
College of New Energy, Collaborative Innovation Center for New Energy Vehicle of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry Zhengzhou 450002 China
RSC Adv. 2025 Sep 25;15(42):35322-35335. doi: 10.1039/d5ra05300e. eCollection 2025 Sep 22.
Thermo-electrochemical cells (TECs) are a promising technology for converting low-grade thermal energy into electricity through redox reactions. Despite extensive research, TECs still face challenges in practical applications due to their complex assembly processes, susceptibility to leakage, limited electrode reaction area, and low efficiency. In this study, TECs featuring threaded graphite electrodes were constructed. Owing to the enhanced reaction area, high thermal conductivity, and excellent electrolyte sealing capability of the threaded graphite electrode configuration, the TECs demonstrate exceptional electrical output and long-term stability. Through systematic optimization of electrode materials, electrode spacing, and electrolyte composition, the Seebeck coefficient of the TECs reached 2.5 mV K. Under a temperature difference of 20 K, the TECs achieved a maximum power output of 100 mW m, representing a fourfold enhancement compared to the original cell. Furthermore, a TEC stack was developed based on optimized single-unit configurations. Comprehensive evaluation confirmed the stack's performance and operational stability, underscoring its significant potential for practical applications in low-grade thermal energy harvesting.
热电化学电池（TECs）是一种很有前景的技术，可通过氧化还原反应将低品位热能转化为电能。尽管进行了广泛的研究，但由于其复杂的组装过程、易泄漏、电极反应面积有限以及效率低等问题，TECs在实际应用中仍面临挑战。在本研究中，构建了具有螺纹石墨电极的TECs。由于螺纹石墨电极结构具有增强的反应面积、高导热性和出色的电解质密封能力，这些TECs表现出卓越的电输出和长期稳定性。通过对电极材料、电极间距和电解质组成进行系统优化，TECs的塞贝克系数达到了2.5 mV K。在20 K的温差下，TECs实现了100 mW m的最大功率输出，与原始电池相比提高了四倍。此外，基于优化的单电池配置开发了一个TEC电池组。综合评估证实了该电池组的性能和运行稳定性，突出了其在低品位热能收集实际应用中的巨大潜力。
