New 3D-printing ink used to create tiny thermo-generators

New 3D-printing ink used to create tiny thermo-generators
Direct 3D writing of TE inks. a, Schematic of the direct ink writing for 3D TE architectures. b, Plot of the diameters of 3D filaments versus the dispensing pressure with different inner diameters of nozzles. c,d, Photographs showing 3D filaments with different diameters (c) and aspect ratios (d). Scale bars, 2 mm. e, Maximum aspect ratio (length (L)/diameter (D)) of the written TE filaments with respect to the diameters. f, OM images of TE filaments with diameters of 180, 240, 340, 420, 560 and 620 μm. Scale bars, 200 μm. g, Charge-coupled device (CCD) images and illustrated premodels of arch-type architectures consisting of junctional p- and n-type TE legs. Scale bars, 500 μm. h,i, Illustrated model (h) and photograph (i) of a 3D lattice built by the layer-by-layer deposition of TE filaments. Scale bars, 10 mm. j,k, OM images of the as-printed (j) and sintered (k) 3D lattice. Scale bars, 500 μm. l,m, Low-magnification (l) and high-magnification (m) SEM images of the 3D lattice. Scale bars, 500 μm. Credit: Nature Electronics (2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41928-021-00622-9

A team of researchers working at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology has created a new type of ink that can be used to print tiny 3D generators. In their paper published in the journal Nature Electronics, the group describes developing their new ink.

Thermoelectric devices are able to generate electricity by taking advantage of heat moving within a material from a part that is warmer to a part that is cooler. Scientists have been looking for ways to create thermoelectric devices to power things like wireless sensors. In theory, they could be powered by taking advantage of natural rapid temperature changes, such as when morning light suddenly begins shining on a cool, dark surface.

As the researchers note, micro- are a means of harvesting electricity from thermal systems; making them commercially viable, however, has been problematic. Existing techniques, they suggest, have been costly, and most have been in the form of two-dimensional films, which limits the types of possible applications. In this new effort, the researchers sought to find a way to create generators using 3D printing.

Printing tiny generators, the researchers recognized, required the development to of a new kind of ink. They began by studying the properties of existing inks, looking specifically at their colloidal rheology, which involved studying correlations between the size and distribution of charge particles. They discovered that and those that bunched into narrow distribution channels produced higher viscosity. They also found that controlling surface oxidation of thermoelectric particles reduced what is known as the screen effect due to additives. The net result was enhancement of rheological properties.

Using this knowledge, the researchers created a type of ink that could be used to print tiny columns (1.4 mms in height and less than 0.5mms in diameter) on top of a silicon chip. They then used their technique to print multiple columns on a chip and found that it could then be used as a thermoelectric device by heating just one side of it while chilling the other. They found the had a of 479.0 μW cm–2—enough to power a tiny wireless sensor.

More information: Fredrick Kim et al, Direct ink writing of three-dimensional thermoelectric microarchitectures, Nature Electronics (2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41928-021-00622-9

Journal information: Nature Electronics

© 2021 Science X Network

Citation: New 3D-printing ink used to create tiny thermo-generators (2021, August 23) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://techxplore.com/news/2021-08-3d-printing-ink-tiny-thermo-generators.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Energy harvesting: Printed thermoelectric generators for power generation

733 shares

Feedback to editors