Self-Powered Te–Bi2Te3/PEDOT:PSS Thermoelectric Aerogel for Temperature/Pressure Dual-Mode Sensors

Abstract

Wearable sensors serve as pivotal components in next-generation healthcare monitoring and intelligent electronic systems, yet their applications are limited by poor multifunctionality, signal interference, unsatisfactory flexibility, and external power reliance. Herein, we report an integrated temperature/pressure dual-mode sensor constructed by incorporating Te–Bi2Te3/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) nanocomposite thermoelectric (TE) materials into a commercial aerogel matrix. The proposed architecture synergistically couples the TE and piezoresistive effects, enabling independent conversion of thermal and mechanical stimuli into decoupled electrical outputs (i.e., voltage and resistance signals, respectively). Notably, the Te–Bi2Te3/PEDOT:PSS-based sensor exhibits high-fidelity temperature-sensing performance, with a maximum Seebeck coefficient of 95.46 μV·K–1 and a minimum distinguishable temperature difference of 0.1 K. Meanwhile, the inherent elasticity and hierarchical porous structure of the aerogel scaffold, combined with the excellent electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite, endow the sensor with outstanding pressure-sensing capability, allowing reliable detection of both static and dynamic stimuli with robust mechanical stability and excellent cycling durability. Furthermore, the introduction of TE functionality enables self-powered operation of the device, which can efficiently harvest low-grade thermal energy from the temperature gradient between human skin and the ambient environment. Collectively, these merits highlight the considerable application potential of the proposed dual-mode sensor in advanced wearable electronics and self-sustained sensing platforms.