Large power factor improvement in a thermoelectric oxide using liquid electrolytes

Abstract

• A new hybrid system formed by a nanostructured mesoporous solid permeated by a liquid electrolyte has been conceived to improve the thermoelectric power factor. • The concept has been demonstrated employing Sb:SnO2 and different electrolytes. • More than 3 times improvement in the power factor has been achieved by a 61.9 % reduction of the electric resistance of the system without modifying the Seebeck coefficient using LiBF4 1 M in 3-methoxipropionitrile. • An imidazolium iodide ionic liquid produces an 82.5 % drop in the electric resistance although with a reduction in the Seebeck coefficient, leading to 2.4 times improvement in the PF.