Particle.news

Download on the App Store

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.

Image
Friday November 15, 2025. Zhigang Chen Thermoelectric device. Prof. Chen and his team from ARC Research Hub in Zero-emission Power Generation for Carbon Neutrality (ZeroPC) have developed an ultra-thin, flexible film that could power next-generation wearable devices using body heat instead of batteries and be utilized for chip cooling.
woman wrist watch hand touching it

Overview

  • 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.