Thermoelectrics make electricity from your daily (hot) coffee

So-called thermoelectric generators (’thermoelectrics’) convert ambient heat into electricity. They can be used to power a broad range of applications, from wearables and sensors to remote electronic systems like satellites. But to realize all these applications, thermoelectrics must also be flexible and be available in many different shapes. Moreover, they must be relatively easy to make. Materials researchers at KU Leuven tackled these demands by developing an innovative manufacturing process.

A temperature difference of a few degrees is enough to generate a usable amount of electric current. To turn on a light, for example, or make a small device such as a wearable or a sensor run. ...