Thermoelectric materials are scrutinized as energy materials and sensing materials. Indeed, they convert thermal energy into electrical energy. In addition, those materials are actively sensitive to a temperature modification through the generation of an electric signal. Organic thermoelectric (OTE) materials are complementary to inorganic thermoelectric materials, as they possess unique properties such as solution processing, ionic conductivity, flexibility, and softness. While thin-film OTE materials have been widely studied because they are easily manufactured by various coating techniques, little is done in the creation of three-dimensional morphologies of OTE materials; which is important to develop large temperature gradients. Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on the planet. Recently, the applications of cellulose are not only limited in making papers but also in electronics as the cellulose provide 3-D microstructures and mechanical strength. One promising approach to make 3-D OTE bulks is using cellulose as scaffold because of their properties of relatively high mechanical strength, water processability and environmentally friendly performance. The aims of the thesis have been to enlarge the applications of an OTE material poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), with an approach of making 3-D aerogels composite with nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), in two main areas: (1) multi-parameter sensors and (2) solar vapor generators. In the first application, we demonstrate that the new thermoelectric aerogel responds independently to pressure P, temperature T and humidity RH. Hence, when it is submitted to the three stresses (T, P, RH), the electrical characterization of the material enables to measure the three parameters without cross-talking effects. Thermoelectric aerogels are foreseen as active materials in electronic skins and robotics. In the second application, the conducting polymer aerogels are employed as solar absorbers to convert solar energy into heat and significantly increased the water evaporation rate. The IR absorption is efficient because of the free-electron in the conducting polymer PEDOT nano-aggregates. Because of the low cost of those materials and the water stability of the crosslinked aerogels, they could be of importance for water desalination. Termoelektriska material har utvärderats som energi- och sensormaterial. Som energimaterial har de studerats som ett sätt att transformera termisk energi till elektrisk energi, och har använts för kylnings- och uppvärmningsapplikationer. Som sensormaterial kan de känna av temperatur eller temperaturskillnader och tillhandahåller elektriska signaler. Organiska termoelektriska (OTE) material, det vill säga kolbaserade termoelektriska material, är komplementära till inorganiska termoelektriska material eftersom de har unika egenskaper så som processbarhet i lösningsform, jonisk ledningsförmåga, böjbarhet, och mjukhet. Tunna filmer av OTE-material har vida studerats eftersom de är lätta att tillverka via olika beläggningsmetoder, men tredimensionella strukturer är till stor del ett outforskat område och är viktigt för att uppnå stora temperaturgradienter. Cellulosa är ett billigt material som utgör den vanligaste biopolymeren på vår planet. Nyligen så har applikationerna för cellulosa sträckt sig bortom papperstillverkning och används nu även inom elektronik för att förse 3D-mikrostrukturer och mekanisk styrka. En lovande metod för att tillverka 3D-strukturer av OTE-material är genom att använda cellulosanätverk på grund av dess relativt höga mekaniska styrka, processbarhet i vattenlösningar och dess miljövänlighet. Syftet med denna avhandling har varit att bredda applikationerna för OTE-materialet poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), genom att tillverka 3D aerogelkompositer med nanofibrillerad cellulosa (NFC). Detta har gjorts inom två områden: (1) Multiparameter-sensorer och (2) solar vapor generators. För den första applikationen så demonstrerar vi att de nya termoelektriska aerogelerna har oberoende signaler från tryck, temperatur och relativ fuktighet. Det vill säga att när materialet utsätts för dessa stimuli så kan signalerna som genereras urskiljas av utan överhörning. De termoelektriska aerogelena förutses bli användbara inom områden så som elektronisk hud och robotik. För den andra applikationen används de elektriskt ledande aerogelena för att absorbera solljus för att omvandla solenergi till värme vilket kan öka förångningshastigheten hos vatten. Absorptionen i IR-området är effektivt eftersom de rörliga elektronerna i den ledande polymeren nano-aggregerar. På grund av den låga kostnaden hos dessa material och våtstabiliteten hos korslänkade aerogeler kan dessa material tänkas användas för vattenavsaltning.

Special topic volume with invited peer-reviewed papers only

BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS Biodegradable materials have ascended in importance in recent years and this book comprehensively discusses all facets and applications in 29 chapters making it a one-stop shop. Biodegradable materials have today become more compulsory because of increased environmental concerns and the growing demand for polymeric and plastic materials. Despite our sincere efforts to recycle used plastic materials, they ultimately tend to enter the oceans, which has led to grave pollution. It is necessary, therefore, to ensure that these wastes do not produce any hazards in the future. This has made an urgency to replace the synthetic material with green material in almost all possible areas of application. Biodegradable Materials and Their Applications covers a wide range of subjects and approaches, starting with an introduction to biodegradable material applications. Chapters focus on the development of various types of biodegradable materials with their applications in electronics, medicine, packaging, thermoelectric generations, protective equipment, films/coatings, 3D printing, disposable bioplastics, agriculture, and other commercial sectors. In biomedical applications, their use in the advancement of therapeutic devices like temporary implants, tissue engineering, and drug delivery vehicles are summarized. Audience Materials scientists, environmental and sustainability engineers, and any other researchers and graduate students associated with biodegradable materials.

Carbon Nanotubes - Redefining the World of Electronics is a compendium of current, state-of-the-art information about carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their potential applications in electronics. Chapters cover such topics as the incorporation of CNTs into electronic devices, CNT-based rubber composites for electronic components, the role of CNTs in different energy storage and conversion systems, and ternary implementations of carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (CNTFET) circuits.

Introduces novel concepts in wastewater treatment with poly-carbonaceous composites Describes modern fabrication methods and characterization techniques Presents information on processing, safety, and disposal Discusses current research, future trends, and applications

Explore the energy storage applications of a wide variety of aerogels made from different materials In Aerogels for Energy Saving and Storage, an expert team of researchers delivers a one-stop resource covering the state-of-the-art in aerogels for energy applications. The book covers their morphology, properties, and processability and serves as a valuable resource for researchers and professionals working in materials science and environmentally friendly energy and power technology. The authors offer a comprehensive review of highly efficient energy applications of aerogels that bridges the gap between engineering, science, and chemistry and advances the field of materials development. They provide a Life Cycle Assessment of aerogels in energy systems, as well as discussions of their impact on the environment. Aerogel synthesis, characterization, fabrication, morphology, properties, energy-related applications, and simulations are all explored, and likely future research directions are provided. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to aerogels in energy, including state-of-the-art advancements and challenges newly encountered Comprehensive explorations of chitin-based and cellulose-derived aerogels, as well as lignin-, clay-, and carbon nanotube-based aerogels Practical discussions of organic, natural, and inorganic aerogels, with further analyses of the lifecycle of aerogels In-depth examinations of the theory, modeling, and simulation of aerogels Perfect for chemical and environmental engineers, Aerogels for Energy Saving and Storage will also earn a place in the libraries of chemistry and materials science researchers in academia and industry.