Cool Tech: Wearables Powered by Body Heat

A world where you don't need to charge your wearable devices. Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have made a big step towards this future. They've created a super-thin, flexible film that can turn body heat into electricity. This isn't just good news for your smartwatch; it could also help cool down your phone or computer. So, how does it work? The secret lies in tiny crystals, called "nanobinders, " which form a special layer of bismuth telluride. This layer boosts both the film's efficiency and flexibility. The team used a mix of techniques to create it, like solvothermal synthesis and screen-printing. The result? A printable film with a high power density. This tech isn't limited to just one type of material. It could work with other, cheaper options too, like silver selenide. The possibilities are endless. You could wear these flexible devices on your skin, turning your body's temperature difference into power. Or, they could be sewn into clothes to keep you warm in cold environments. But it's not just about wearables. This film could revolutionize the automotive and medical industries too. In cars, it could power battery-free sensors and harvest energy from exhaust pipes. In medicine, it could power implants with body heat and monitor temperatures non-invasively. Even buildings could benefit. These devices could generate electricity from waste heat in pipes or machinery, making them more energy-efficient. The future of heat-to-power tech looks promising!