Dual-action synergistic enhancement of photothermoelectric properties of PEDOT:PSS films via black phosphorus

Photothermoelectric materials convert light energy into electrical energy based on the photothermal effect and thermoelectric effect, enabling the utilization of multiple energy sources and enhancing energy utilization efficiency. However, the performance of photothermoelectric materials is often constrained by their photothermal and thermoelectric properties. PEDOT:PSS has excellent thermoelectric properties and significant absorption in the NIR region. Nevertheless, its relatively low light conversion efficiency limits its development in the field of photothermoelectric applications. Herein, the black phosphorus nanosheets were introduced to effectively improve the photothermoelectric properties of PEDOT:PSS. The introduction of Black phosphorus was found to enhance the photothermal conversion performance of the film, which could be attributed to the improved light absorption. Additionally, the energy filtering effect at the interface between Black phosphorus and PEDOT:PSS improves the thermoelectric properties of films. The dual effect of Black phosphorus has greatly improved the photothermoelectric properties of PEDOT:PSS, and the power factor of the composite film under light is approximately 4-fold that of PEDOT:PSS film. The dual enhancement of the photothermal and thermoelectric properties in PEDOT:PSS through the incorporation of Black phosphorus provides a new strategy for developing high-performance Photothermoelectric materials.