new-film-converts-body-heat-to-power-wearable-tech

Researchers from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have created an ultra-thin, flexible film capable of transforming body heat into electrical energy.

 

This innovation marks notable progress in wearable technology. It has the capacity to change how we supply power to wearable devices.

 

“This advancement could also assist in cooling electronic chips, enhancing the efficiency of smartphones and computers,” stated a press release.

 

“Flexible thermoelectric devices can be comfortably worn on the skin, where they efficiently convert the temperature difference between the human body and the surrounding air into electricity,” explained Professor Zhi-Gang Chen, who led the research team.

 

Nonetheless, various challenges have prevented these devices from attaining commercial viability. These challenges include limited flexibility, complicated manufacturing processes, high expenses, and inadequate performance.

 

The QUT team tackled this challenge by using a novel method that integrates the thermoelectric characteristics of bismuth telluride with the structural advantages of tellurium nanorods.

 

Bismuth telluride, a well-established thermoelectric material, has been restricted in its use for flexible purposes due to its inherent rigidity.

 

The researchers addressed this issue by incorporating tellurium nanorods into the material. These nanorods serve as “nanobinders,” filling the gaps between the bismuth telluride layers and forming a network.

 

This configuration enhances the film’s capability to transform heat into electricity while also providing flexibility.

 

The team conducted experiments to assess the film's performance. They created a small generator from an A4-sized sheet of film and used silver paste electrodes connected to measuring devices.

 

“We developed a printable A4-sized film with unprecedented thermoelectric performance, outstanding flexibility, scalability, and low cost, making it one of the most effective flexible thermoelectrics available,” emphasised Professor Chen.

 

When placed against the skin, the generator generated an impressive 1.2 milliwatts of power per square centimetre with a temperature difference of 20 Kelvin between the skin and the ambient air.

 

This level of power generation, easily attainable under normal ambient conditions, highlights the potential of this technology to power a variety of wearable devices.