Synthesis and Electrochemical Characterization of Redox-Based Conductive Gel for Low-Grade Heat Harvesting Applications

Abstract

Thermoelectric generators (TEG) are one of the sources for renewable energy. They utilize heat waste and produce electrical energy. Aniline is an aromatic compound with benzene ring while Ammonium peroxy disulfate (APS) is an oxidant. The chemical interaction between Aniline and APS was 0 carried out under stirring at 30 C and then allowed to cool it after drop casting at room temperature. Another sample was prepared by addition of Gum Arabic (GA) and the iodide/triiodide redox couple in the base film. Result analyses indicate the incremental change in Open circuit voltage (Voc) due to the presence of redox couple from 0.0014 mV to 0.76 mV. Furthermore, the Seebeck coefficient of the gel has been increased 100% as compared to the film without Redox couple. This confirms the formation of TEG conductive gel. Moreover, the role of GA is pivotal for the formation of flexible gel i.e. without GA the gel is not formed.