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Thermoelectric systems

Polarity promotes power production

Thermoelectrochemical hydrogels can generate voltages as the temperature rises, which is often due to multiple, coupled transport mechanisms. Recent work shows how electrochemically tuning the chain-polarity can direct charge transport in hydrogels, highlighting how precise control of such chains can enhance thermoelectric performance.

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Fig. 1: Polarity-controlled ion transport and thermopower enhancement in thermoelectric hydrogels.
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Acknowledgements

P.Y. was supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (2042026kf0043).

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Correspondence to Jia Li  (李嘉) or Peihua Yang  (杨培华).

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Li, J., Yang, P. Polarity promotes power production. Nat Rev Chem 10, 374–376 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-026-00828-5

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