Researchers at the Queensland University of Technology have developed a groundbreaking flexible film that can generate electricity from body heat. This technology has the potential to power wearable devices and cool electronic chips, improving their efficiency. The team, led by Professor Zhi-Gang Chen, published their findings in the journal Science, highlighting the potential of this technology as a sustainable energy source.
The flexible thermoelectric devices created by the researchers can be comfortably worn on the skin, converting the temperature difference between the body and the surrounding air into electricity. These devices could also be used in tight spaces like computers or smartphones to cool chips and enhance performance. The team introduced a cost-effective method for creating the flexible thermoelectric film using nanocrystals, which resulted in record-high performance, exceptional flexibility, scalability, and low cost.
This breakthrough brings body-heat-powered wearable technology closer to reality, eliminating the need for traditional batteries. The research opens up a wide range of possibilities for applications in personal thermal management and low-power devices like heart rate monitors. The team believes that their approach offers a promising solution to the challenges faced by flexible thermoelectric technology, paving the way for the commercialization of this innovative energy source.
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