Advancements in thermoelectric properties of cement and geopolymer composites reinforced with carbon-based nanomaterials

Thermoelectric cement/geopolymer-based composites offer a cost-effective and scalable solution for harvesting abundant thermal energy and converting it into electrical energy sustainably. However, a significant challenge lies in tuning the thermoelectric properties of these composites, which are typically non-conductive materials. Carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, fullerene, and carbon nanofibers exhibit exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties, offer a great potential as a candidate to enhance the thermoelectric property of cement/geopolymer composites through formation of a more conductive network within the composite. While the power output of these composites may be lower compared to traditional thermoelectric devices, considering the large volume of cement/geopolymer composites, it could be sufficient to self-power embedded sensors and other IoT devices. This review focuses on the latest research advancements in thermoelectric cement/geopolymer composites reinforced with CBNs. Furthermore, challenges and future recommendations to further enhance their thermoelectric performance are also discussed.