A plate-type thermoelectric power generator with an oxidized bi-metal interface for power generation from a small temperature difference

• A plate-type thermoelectric power generator was fabricated from an Fe plate.
• The bi-metal interface was composed of oxidized Fe and Al.
• The fabricated device generated power from a small temperature difference.
• Oxidizing the interface was effective in enhancing the performance of the device.

A plate-type thermoelectric power generator was fabricated from an Fe plate. The Fe plate was initially oxidized. Next, an Al layer was deposited on the plate, which had been partially covered with an SiO2 layer for electrical insulation, and a bi-metal interface with oxidation was formed. The thermoelectromotive force due to the temperature gradient in the generator was measured for the open circuit condition, and the thermoelectromotive force of the generator with the oxidized interface was about 3 times greater than that of the generator without oxidation. The maximum powers of the generators with and without oxidation were determined from the current–voltage characteristics measured for the closed circuit condition, and it was verified that oxidizing the bi-metal interface was effective in enhancing the performance of the thermoelectric power generator. For example, the maximum power of the generator with the oxidized bi-metal interface was about 0.3 μW at a temperature difference as low as 40 K, and this value was greater than that of the generator without oxidation.

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