Researchers Develop Body-Heat Powered Film for Wearable Tech and Chip Cooling

A new ultra-thin, flexible thermoelectric film converts body heat into electricity, offering potential for battery-free wearables and improved chip efficiency.

• The film, created by a Queensland University of Technology-led team, uses body heat to generate power for wearable devices, potentially eliminating the need for batteries.
• Made with bismuth telluride and tellurium nanorods, the material achieves record-breaking thermoelectric performance while maintaining flexibility and scalability.
• The manufacturing process, which includes solvothermal synthesis and screen printing, is cost-effective and suitable for large-scale production.
• The film can also function as a cooling system for electronic chips, enhancing performance and efficiency in devices like smartphones and data centers.
• Researchers highlight potential applications for medical devices, smartwatches, and even smart clothing, though further industrial optimization is needed for commercialization.

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