Thermoelectric properties of graphite-PEDOT:PSS coated flexible polyester fabrics

Flexible thermoelectric (TE) fabrics were prepared by dip coating of a mixture solution of water base colloidal graphite and dimethyl sulfoxide doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) on polyester fabric. The phase composition and morphology of the TE fabrics were investigated by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The TE properties of the graphite-PEDOT:PSS coated fabrics with different graphite loadings were measured in the temperature range from 298 to 398 K. As the content of graphite increased from 5 to 20 wt%, the electrical conductivity of the graphite-PEDOT:PSS coated polyester fabrics decreased, while the Seebeck coefficient increased in the measured temperature range from 298 to 398 K. A maximum power factor of ~0.025 μWm−1K−2 at 398 K was obtained for the graphite-PEDOT:PSS coated fabric with 15 wt% graphite loading.