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Our clothes could soon be producing electricity with a revolutionary new invention, bringing innovation to everyday life
Imagine your clothes not only warm you up, but also charge your phone and monitor your health. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, na Sweden, They are developing an innovative silk thread that transforms body heat into electricity, promising to revolutionize the textile industry and offer new capabilities for fashion.
How the technology works
The wire created by the researchers is coated with a carbon-based conductive polymer. This technology has a unique chemical structure that allows it to conduct electricity in a similar way to silicon, but with the advantage of being flexible.
In recent years, important advances have been made in the area of conductive polymers and especially in smart textiles, which can now convert temperature differences into electrical energy.
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Practical application
To demonstrate the potential of the thread, the researchers developed two thermoelectric generators: a button and a piece of fabric sewn with this conductive thread. When exposed to different temperatures, both generate electricity.
The energy generated depends on the amount of polymer used and the temperature difference between the body and the environment. In tests, the fabric produced about 6 millivolts with a temperature difference of 30°C.
This means that with a voltage converter, this fabric could charge small electronic devices, such as fitness trackers and medical sensors.
Advantages of organic polymers
The developed wire is made of carbon-based organic polymers. Compared to previous conductive wires, this new material is lightweight, flexible and easy to handle.
Another advantage is its excellent electrical conductivity and stability, without the need for rare earth elements (REE), commonly used in traditional electronics.
According to Mariavittoria Craighero, a PhD candidate at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers, “We have found the missing piece to create the ideal wire. This new type of polymer, recently discovered, is stable and has excellent electrical conductivity."
Challenges in production
Despite the innovations, manufacturing thermoelectric fabric still presents challenges. The sewing process is done manually and can take up to four days, making production time-consuming and laborious.
However, the team believes that creating an automated process will be possible in the future, enabling large-scale production.
Christian Müller, leader of the study, says: “This is a major breakthrough. Thermoelectric textiles offer incredible possibilities, and this research could have a major impact on society."
Durability and maintenance of clothing
Another highlight is the durability of the conductive thread. Researchers guarantee that it can be machine washed, maintaining its properties for at least one year.
Even after seven washes, the polymer maintained two-thirds of its conductive capacity, which is a positive result, although durability still needs to be improved for the material to be commercially viable.
Will we soon see clothes that charge our devices? Research from Chalmers University of Technology suggests a future where this could be possible. However, there are still development steps to be taken to make this technology accessible and affordable.
