Fast Electron Transfers of Non-Noble Metal Tungsten Carbide Electrode for Aqueous Thermo-Electrochemical Cells in Neutral Media

Thermo-electrochemical cells (TECs) are attracting significantattention because of their ability to harvest waste heat energy. Theyare considered suitable replacements for thermoelectric devices becauseof their flexibility, simple structure, and high stability. However,the extensive application of TECs is limited by the high cost of theirconstituent materials, such as nanostructured carbon or Pt electrodes.In this study, a highly active tungsten carbide (WC x ) electrode was employed as a substitute for Pt and nanostructuredcarbon-based electrodes in a TEC. This non-noble-metal electrode deliveredan outstanding power output of 1.16 W m(-2) and dramaticallylowered the cost of the TEC system. Moreover, the maximum power outputof the WC x -based TEC was maintained forover 10 days. This study highlights the significant application potentialof WC x as a non-noble-metal-based electrodematerial for harvesting waste heat energy, attributed to its activity,economic feasibility, and stability.