Fig. 1: Concept and thermoelectric performance of the MGITG.
a The coupling relationship among moisture diffusion, heat transfer, and ionic flow. Steam represents an abundant resource in both natural environments and industrial processes. The coupled transport of moisture and thermal energy, mediated by ion flux, enables highly efficient energy conversion. b The concept of moisture-gradient-enhanced i-TEs. The temperature gradient, moisture gradient, and selective ion transport act like three interlocking gears, with thermal-enhanced moisture diffusion creating synergistic effects that significantly improve the thermopower of i-TEs. c A photograph of the PEDOT:PSS/PVA/CsCl film. d Comparison of ion transport in the MGITG under different conditions, including low humidity, high humidity, and moisture gradient. While dry conditions immobilize ions as pairs and uniform humidity enables cation migration without H+ gradient effects, moisture gradients drive cations (including H+) diffusion through microchannels. The MGITG uniquely couples thermal and moisture gradients for enhanced ion transport beyond conventional i-TEs. e A schematic diagram of the device structure. f The Voc of the MGITG under 8 K and different RH conditions. g The thermopower of the MGITG under different RH conditions. Error bars in (g, h) were calculated using the standard deviation of the measured data.
