Superhydrophobic encapsulation of flexible Bi2Te3/CNT coated thermoelectric fabric via layer-by-layer assembly

To improve the thermoelectric performance and wearability of fabric based thermoelectric materials, a superhydrophobic encapsulated Bi2Te3/CNT thermoelectric fabric was introduced. Through layer-by-layer assembly process, Bi2Te3 and CNT were coated onto the fabric substrate, respectively. A double layer superhydrophobic encapsulation composed of silicone, PDMS and PMMA was coated onto the surface of Bi2Te3/CNT fabric to isolate it from the ambient environment. The encapsulated fabric with a water contact angle of 158.6° exhibits great self-cleaning property and flexibility. A thermoelectric generator consists of five Bi2Te3/CNT fabric legs could generate an output voltage of 1.8 mV under a temperature difference of 30 °C and could be easily attached to the end of sleeves or socks. [Display omitted] •A Bi2Te3/CNT thermoelectric fabric prepared by layer-by-layer assembly technique.•A double layer superhydrophobic encapsulation has a water contact angle of 158.6°.•The fabric generator with great wearability can be easily attached to clothes.