Will the smartphones of the future be able to recharge with our body heat?

The possibility of exploiting thermal energy from existing sources makes this solution sustainable and innovative, with a significant reduction in environmental impact. In short, it will be a truly revolutionary discovery.

smartphone, electricity charging.
A group of researchers from the University of Washington, led by Professor Mohammad Malakooti, has succeeded in inventing a wearable device that converts body heat into electricity.

A group of researchers from the University of Washington, led by Professor Mohammad Malakooti, has succeeded in inventing a wearable device that converts body heat into electricity. The study was recently published in Advanced Materials. This innovative but still young technology could one day allow us to recharge small electronic devices simply by wearing a bracelet or other accessory.

Here's how the smartphone of the future will be unlocked

The key to the invention of the American scientists lies in the extreme flexibility of this new technology. Traditionally, thermoelectric devices that convert heat into energy are rigid and fragile.

The one created by this team of researchers is soft and resistant, and can be stretched up to 2,000 times without losing the ability to produce electricity. This is possible thanks to a three-layer structure, where in the centre are rigid semiconductors that convert heat into electricity.

All around, a 3D printed composite material that improves energy efficiency and reduces weight. Finally, traces of liquid metal ensure elasticity, conductivity and self-repair. This new technology worn on the skin immediately begins to produce energy. This was demonstrated by turning on a small LED powered exclusively by body heat.

What does this new technology entail?

While the idea of charging your phone in such a novel way is intriguing, the potential applications of this technology go much further. Professor Malakooti envisions these devices being used to recover excess heat from electronic equipment, such as servers in data centres.

In these environments, waste heat could power sensors to monitor temperature and humidity, reducing overall energy consumption.

The possibility of exploiting thermal energy from existing sources makes this solution sustainable and innovative, with a significant reduction in environmental impact. In short, it will be a truly revolutionary discovery.

The device that will allow us to recharge our cell phones with our heat

This LED was powered solely by body heat, through the wearable device. This technology is very promising, so much so that it is not limited to simple energy production.

elettricity.
The possibility of exploiting thermal energy from existing sources makes this solution sustainable and innovative, with a significant reduction in environmental impact. In short, it will be a truly revolutionary discovery.

The team has in fact discovered that, by adding electricity to the system, the devices can also be used to heat or cool surfaces. The research opens up new possibilities in the field of virtual reality and wearable accessories, in the near future. But for now the top priority of these researchers is to develop efficient and long-lasting devices, capable of offering thermal feedback and powering small devices with body heat, for the rest there is time and the limit is represented exclusively by the imagination.