Carbon nanotube/two-dimensional metal–organic framework composites with enhanced thermoelectric performances for thermoelectric generators
Journal
Chemical Engineering Journal
Journal Volume
521
Start Page
166861
ISSN
1385-8947
Date Issued
2025-10-01
Author(s)
Lin, Cheng-Yuan
Chang, Jhe-Wei
Lin, Meng-Hao
Wu, Kuan-Chu
Hong, Shao-Huan
Lin, Jhih-Min
Kung, Chung-Wei
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are regarded as promising candidates for thermoelectric applications due to their excellent electrical and mechanical properties. However, their practical utility is hindered by high thermal conductivity and poor dispersion. This study explores the incorporation of two-dimensional metal–organic frameworks (2D MOFs) as additives to enhance the thermoelectric performance of CNTs. Two Zr-based 2D MOFs with distinct functional groups in their pores, namely hydrophilic ZrBTB and hydrophobic ZrBTB-BA, are employed. These 2D MOFs significantly improve the dispersion of CNTs, while the strategic selection of solvents, including 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), enables precise tuning of the carrier polarity in the CNTs, thereby facilitating the development of both p-type and n-type thermoelectric composites. Notably, the CNT/ZrBTB-BA composite achieves a record-high power factor (PF) values of 395.2 and 330.8 μW m−1 K−2 for p-type and n-type thermoelectric behavior among CNT/MOF composites, respectively, accompanied by significantly enhanced figure of merit (zT) values compared to the pristine CNTs. These optimized composites are further employed to fabricate flexible thermoelectric generators, showcasing their practical potential in wearable electronics and advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Subjects
carbon nanotube
composite
thermoelectric
two-dimensional MOFs
wearable device
SDGs
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Type
journal article