Carbon Nanotube/Cellulose Acetate Thermoelectric Papers

Abstract

Free-standing single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/cellulose acetate composite films were fabricated by a simple bar-coating method. As a paste solvent, acetone, a low-boiling-point solvent, was used. By simple brushing of a polyethylenimine/ethanol solution, n-type thermoelectric composite films could be obtained. The optimal p-type and n-type power factors of the free-standing thermoelectric films were 1.41 +/- 0.22 and 0.516 +/- 0.172 mu W cm(-1) K-2, respectively, at room temperature. We also fabricated the organic thermoelectric generator from the free-standing composite films and confirmed their electrical power generation capability. By applying the temperature difference of 10 K, the output power of 2.28 mu W was obtained.