The huge thermopower observed in the thermodiffusion mechanism of ionic thermoelectric (i-TE) materials has led researchers to conceive of the upgrading of thermoelectric technology. However, the intermittent power generation in the capacitor mode has been a major hindrance to achieving optimal performance. This work proposes a conveyor mode for continuous i-TE conversion in mixed ion-electron-conducting i-TE material with an ionic circuit. In this conveyor mode, ion-electronic friction serves as the link between ions and electrons, enabling the thermally diffused ions to convey electrons to power the load, and persistent ionic transport, owing to the ionic circuit, ensures continuous power generation. Experiments demonstrate continuous power generation and significant improvements of power density in the conveyor mode. Theoretical analysis shows that the conveyor mode is competitive to not only the capacitor mode but also a general electronic thermoelectric conversion. Our study points out a direction for the development of i-TE technology.

中文翻译：

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传送带模式可实现连续的离子热电转换


在离子热电 （i-TE） 材料的热扩散机制中观察到的巨大热功率促使研究人员构想了热电技术的升级。然而，电容器模式下的间歇性发电一直是实现最佳性能的主要障碍。本工作提出了一种在具有离子回路的混合离子-电子-导电 i-TE 材料中连续 i-TE 转换的输送模式。在这种输送模式下，离子-电子摩擦充当离子和电子之间的纽带，使热扩散的离子能够输送电子为负载提供动力，而由于离子回路，持续的离子传输确保了连续发电。实验表明，在输送机模式下，连续发电和功率密度的显著提高。理论分析表明，输送机模式不仅与电容器模式竞争，而且与一般的电子热电转换模式也具有竞争力。本研究为 i-TE 技术的发展指明了方向。