Deviceization of high-performance and flexible Ag<sub>2</sub>Se films for electronic skin and servo rotation angle control.

Chen, Yue-Xing; Shi, Xiao-Lei; Zhang, Jun-Ze; Nisar, Mohammad; Zha, Zhong-Zhao; Zhong, Zi-Nan; Li, Fu; Liang, Guang-Xing et al. · Nat Commun · 2024

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Ag<sub>2</sub>Se shows significant potential for near-room-temperature thermoelectric applications, but its performance and device design are still evolving. In this work, we design a novel flexible Ag<sub>2</sub>Se thin-film-based thermoelectric device with optimized electrode materials and structure, achieving a high output power density of over 65 W m<sup>-2</sup> and a normalized power density up to 3.68 μW cm<sup>-2</sup> K<sup>-2</sup> at a temperature difference of 42 K. By fine-tuning vapor selenization time, we strengthen the (013) orientation and carrier mobility of Ag<sub>2</sub>Se films, reducing excessive Ag interstitials and achieving a power factor of over 29 μW cm<sup>-1</sup> K<sup>-2</sup> at 393 K. A protective layer boosts flexibility of the thin film, retaining 90% performance after 1000 bends at 60°. Coupled with p-type Sb<sub>2</sub>Te<sub>3</sub> thin films and rational simulations, the device shows rapid human motion response and precise servo motor control, highlighting the potential of high-performance Ag<sub>2</sub>Se thin films in advanced applications.