Enhancement of p-type thermoelectric power factor by low-temperature calcination in carbon nanotube thermoelectric films containing cyclodextrin polymer and Pd

The p-type properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in organic thermoelectric devices need urgent improvement for large-scale, low-grade thermal energy applications. Here, we present a suitable approach to significantly enhance the power factor (PF) by increasing electrical conductivity through low-temperature calcination-induced pyrolysis insulating γ-cyclodextrin polymer (PγCyD), which is used as solubilizer film-like CNTs. calcination method, can be realize good contact between CNT bundles, shows enhancement behavior universal phenomenon not only PγCyD but also other commonly polymers films. To moderate temperature, Pd catalyst was added, and optimal temperature reduced from 340 °C 250 °C. Consequently, PF value film 570 μW m−1 K−2, found more than twice that original film. In addition, demonstrated harvesting capability generator based on this film; with 10 elements showed maximum output 10.3 difference 75 °C, comparable some best single-component date. This outstanding easy-to-handle films heat treatment open new avenues development generators.