A Bulk-Material-Based Flexible Thermoelectric Generator Featuring Multifunctional Copper Electrodes for Heat Concentration and Dissipation, And Fabrics for Comfort and Heat-Leakage Reduction

The present disclosure generally relates to high-performance flexible thermoelectric generators (f-TEGs) for heat concentration and dissipation. In some embodiments, the f-TEGs can be incorporated into wearable devices. The f-TEG device can include an f-TEG network of thermoelectric units that include multifunctional thin copper disks that can be used as electrodes, heat concentrators and spreaders, spacers, and flexibility enablers. Each electrode can include a spacer extending therefrom to suppress the heat loss between the hot and the cold sides through conduction and convection across a thermoelectric pillar disposed therebetween. In some embodiments, the f-TEG network can be associated with a fabric to provide good wearability and comfort even in wet thermal environments.