Hydro-thermoelectric generators for harvesting heat and moisture from the human body for powering wearable electronics

Summary

The physiological metabolism of the human body generates moisture and heat within the clothing microclimate, which can be harvested for powering wearable devices. However, a key challenge remains in developing hydro-thermoelectric conversion systems that can be produced on a large scale while meeting the wearable and functional requirements (flexibility, breathability, durability, stability, and conversion efficiency) of wearable applications. This review discusses hydro-thermoelectric conversion mechanisms and their potential in wearable applications. We provide an overview of materials capable of producing hydro-thermoelectric effects, highlighting their structural characteristics and summarizing design methods for conversion units, along with strategies for integrating large-area flexible devices. We propose a vision for scalable hydro-thermoelectric clothing systems, enabled by material design based on fabric-composite substrates and advanced textile processing technologies.