BEIJING — A team of Chinese researchers has developed an advanced flexible thermoelectric material that can convert heat into electricity, offering potential new power solutions for wearable devices, sensors and other emerging technologies.
The material, created by scientists from the Institute of Chemistry at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was described in a study published in the journal Science. Researchers say the new polymer-based material could support applications in wearable electronics, adhesive cooling technologies and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Thermoelectric materials generate electricity from temperature differences and can also be used for cooling applications. The process does not require fuel and produces no emissions. Scientists estimate that more than 60 percent of the world’s energy is lost as waste heat, making thermoelectric technology a potential tool for improving energy efficiency.
New benchmark for flexible thermoelectric materials
The research team, led by Prof. Zhu Daoben and Prof. Di Chong’an, developed an irregular hierarchical-porous thermoelectric polymer known as IHP-TEP.
According to the study, the material achieved a thermoelectric figure of merit, or ZT value, of 1.64 at 343 kelvin (about 70 degrees Celsius). The result establishes a new performance benchmark for flexible thermoelectric materials operating in this temperature range.
Thermoelectric performance is measured by the ZT value, which indicates how effectively a material converts heat into electrical energy.
Improved structure and manufacturing potential
Researchers said the material’s hierarchical porous structure helps reduce heat conduction while enabling efficient electrical charge transport.
The IHP-TEP material can also be produced using spray-coating technology, allowing large-scale manufacturing through processes similar to printing.
This manufacturing approach could make it possible to produce flexible thermoelectric films at lower cost and over larger surface areas.
Applications in wearable devices and sensors
The flexible structure of the material allows it to adhere to curved surfaces such as clothing, equipment or building structures.
Researchers say the technology could provide power for sensors and small electronic devices wherever temperature differences exist, including on the human body, building exteriors or outdoor environments.
Such capabilities could support future applications in wearable electronics and distributed Internet of Things sensor networks.
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