Actuator Structure Design for Flexible Photothermal-Electric Device and Multifunctional Self-Powered Sensor

Flexible photothermal-electric devices hold great promise for applications such as solar energy conversion and wearable electronics, thanks to their ability to generate green energy, sense temperature, and enhance wearing comfort. However, creating sufficient temperature gradients for optimal power generation along with high-performance multifunctional sensing capabilities remains a significant challenge. In this study, we demonstrate a flexible photothermal-electric device with an exceptional temperature gradient created by a thermal actuator through light-induced thermal deformation. A notable structural feature is the combination of a p-n heterojunction composed of p-type and n-type single-walled carbon nanotubes, which enables the device to achieve a power density of 0.15 μW/cm2. Furthermore, the device effectively detects object temperature, ambient light intensity, and environmental humidity. This work opens new avenues for the structural design and manufacturing processes of photothermal-electric devices, paving the way for advanced green power generation and multifunctional sensing applications.