Scientists Develop Body Heat-Powered Battery Film: A Breakthrough in Wearable Tech
A team of researchers from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has made a significant breakthrough in energy harvesting technology, developing a thin, flexible film capable of generating power from human body heat. This innovation promises to revolutionize wearable electronics and potentially impact other technological sectors.
Professor Zhi-Gang Chen, a lead researcher at QUT, described the findings as a “breakthrough in creating flexible thermoelectric technology that can convert body heat into power.” He emphasized the potential of this sustainable energy source to power a new generation of wearable devices. “A flexible thermoelectric device can be worn comfortably on the skin, which effectively converts the temperature difference between the human body and the surrounding air into electricity,” Chen stated in a QUT press release.
Beyond Wearables: Cooling Electronics and More
The applications extend beyond powering wearables. Professor Chen explained that the film’s thin profile allows for integration into smartphones and laptops,where it could actively cool electronic chips,improving efficiency and potentially extending battery life. “Other potential applications start from personal temperature management. Body heat can power heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems applied to the body,” he added.
Previous attempts to create body heat-powered technology have faced challenges, according to Chen. “Similar efforts had been made to produce technology powered by body heat.However, the material is less flexible, production is complicated, performance is inadequate, and costs are high.As a result,previous creations were challenging to commercialize,” he noted.
A Cost-Effective and Scalable Solution
The QUT team overcame these hurdles by focusing on bismuth telluride, a semiconductor known for its thermoelectric properties. They created a cost-effective thermoelectric film using a novel technique involving nanocrystals and screen printing. This method allows for large-scale production of A4-sized sheets of the material. The process includes a sintering stage, where the film is heated to bond the particles without melting.
Researcher Wenyi Chen highlighted the versatility of their approach.”The versatility of this material shows the various applications of this method that can advance flexible thermoelectric technology,” he said, adding that the technique could be adapted for other materials, such as silver selenide, offering potentially cheaper and more sustainable alternatives.
The research, published in the journal Science on december 12, 2024, represents a significant leap forward in energy harvesting and promises to impact various aspects of technology, from wearable health monitors to more efficient computing devices. The potential for cost savings and scalability makes this breakthrough particularly exciting for the future of sustainable technology.
(Source: queensland University of Technology)