Imagine clothing that not only keeps you warm but also powers your devices. Scientists have made a significant leap in this direction with the development of liquid crystal elastomer (LCE)-based thermoelectric (TE) ionogel fibers. These innovative fibers have shown remarkable performance in converting body heat into electricity, opening doors to a new era of wearable technology.
The key to this breakthrough lies in the unique combination of LCE networks and ionic liquids. This combination results in materials with exceptional thermopower and electrical conductivity. For example, recent studies have shown that these fibers can achieve a thermopower of 25.8 mV·K⁻¹ and an electrical conductivity of 21.5 mS·m⁻¹.
The fabrication process involves aligning mesogens within the LCE network, creating ordered channels that facilitate ion diffusion. The fibers are then integrated into wearable devices, such as gripper-like actuators, demonstrating their potential for multifunctional applications. Researchers are also exploring the use of zwitterionic liquid crystal elastomers to enhance stretchability and self-sensing properties, further expanding the possibilities for smart textiles and flexible electronics.