Research on lightweight and flexible plastic materials that exhibit high performance and the ability to convert thermal energy into electrical energy has unveiled significant potential in fields such as wearable electronic devices.
Recently published in the journal Nature, this study was conducted by a group of scientists at the Institute of Chemistry (part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences) in collaboration with colleagues from Beihang University (formerly known as Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics) and other research institutions.
Breathable electronic materials enhance the comfort of wearable devices. (Image: newatlas.com).
According to scientist Di Trung An, a member of the research team, many types of conductive polymers can function as thermoelectric materials. By creating a temperature gradient across these materials, a voltage can be generated between the two ends of the material.
A temperature gradient is a physical quantity that describes the direction and rate of the steepest temperature change around a specific location, as well as the magnitude of this rapid temperature change. Voltage, also known as electromotive force, is a physical quantity that characterizes the ability of a power source to perform work. When an electrical circuit is established across these materials and voltage is applied, a temperature gradient is also created between the two ends of the material.
These phenomena open up the possibility of using lightweight and flexible plastics to generate thermoelectric power, paving the way for research activities aimed at developing stick-on and wearable electronic devices, as well as temperature-regulating clothing.
According to the research team, the material they developed has the ability to convert thermal energy into electrical energy (thermoelectric material), showing superior performance compared to other existing plastic materials in the market when evaluated at the same temperature range.
