Wearable technology

Engineering

Materials science

Embedded system

Thermal conductivity

Thermoelectric effect

Computer science

Seebeck coefficient

Thermoelectric materials

Thermodynamics

Thermoelectric generator

Physics

Nanotechnology

Wearable computer

Electronics

Composite material

Electricity

Electrical engineering

Engineering physics

Materials Today

With the ever-growing development of multifunctional and miniature electronics, the exploring of high-power microwatt-milliwatt self-charging technology is highly essential. Flexible thermoelectric materials and devices, utilizing small temperature difference to generate electricity, exhibit great potentials to provide the continuous power supply for wearable and implantable electronics. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of flexible thermoelectric materials, including conducting polymers, organic/inorganic hybrid composites, and fully inorganic materials. The strategies and approaches for enhancing the thermoelectric properties of different flexible materials are detailed overviewed. Besides, we highlight the advanced strategies for the design of mechanical robust flexible thermoelectric devices. In the end, we point out the challenges and outlook for the future development of flexible thermoelectric materials and devices.

Flexible thermoelectric materials and devices: From materials to applications