Touch Empowerment: Self-Sustaining e-Tattoo Thermoelectric System for Temperature Mapping

In recent advancements within sensing technology, driven by the Internet of Things (IoT), significant impacts are observed on health sector applications, notably through wearable electronics like electronic tattoos (e-tattoos). These e-tattoos, designed for direct contact with the skin, facilitate precise monitoring of vital physiological parameters, including body heat, a critical indicator for conditions such as inflammation and infection. Monitoring these indicators can be crucial for early detection of chronic conditions, steering toward proactive healthcare management. This study delves into a thermoelectric sensor e-tattoo designed for detailed skin temperature mapping. Utilizing a novel design, this sensor detects temperature variations across thermoelectric stripes, leveraging screen-printed films of p-type Bi_0.35Sb_1.65Te₃, n-type Bi₂Te_2.8Se_0.2, and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) for enhanced thermoelectric and flexible properties. The application of a prototype printed thermoelectric device on temporary tattoo paper, a pioneering development in wearable health technology is demonstrated. This device, validated through numerical simulations, exhibits significant potential as a non-invasive tool for temperature monitoring, highlighting its value in health diagnostics and management.