High-Performance Tailored Ag 2 Se Thermoelectric Networks via Electrodeposition for Body Heat Recovery

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT), there has been a significant surge in demand for flexible power supply. However, most existing solutions still face challenges in delivering both a continuous, stable energy supply and excellent mechanical adaptability.Herein, we report a Ag2Se network fabricated via a single-step electrodeposition process, which enables continuous regulation of porosity in the range of 75%-99%. This method leads to the formation of a highly interconnected porous architecture. The optimized network with 92% porosity demonstrates a synergistic enhancement of thermoelectric and mechanical properties, achieving a zT value of 0.38 and excellent strain stability, with only a 6.4% increase in resistance after 1000 compressive cycles. The single-leg device based on this material delivers a high power density of 181.5 μW cm -2 under a temperature difference of 40 K. In comparison, a denser network with 86% porosity, while mechanically rigid, achieves a room-temperature zT of 1.0, outperforming most bulk Ag2Se thermoelectric materials. This work provides an effective strategy to coordinate thermoelectric performance and mechanical flexibility through structural porosity modulation, paving the way for advanced wearable self-powered technologies.