Charging the future: transforming body heat into sustainable energy

What problem can you solve with your research?

Imagine if your smartwatch or phone could charge itself just by using your body heat! Right now, most batteries need to be recharged all the time. My project, SWEET, is about creating special materials that can turn body heat into electricity, which can help to charge the batteries. These materials will be flexible, comfortable to wear, and much better for the environment. 

What will you do with the money?

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship allows me to conduct cutting-edge research at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, focusing on developing next-generation wearable thermoelectric generators (TEGs). The funding supports my stay at KTH and a 6-months internship in European Thermodynamics Ltd. (UK), covering research expenses, and enabling international collaborations to push the boundaries of sustainable energy harvesting. 

What is your role in the project?

I am leading the research on developing hybrid thermoelectric materials that combine conductive polymers and sustainable chalcogenides. Additionally, I am integrating photothermal materials to improve heat management, making the energy conversion process more efficient. My role is to bridge material science and device engineering to bring this technology closer to real-world applications.  

In what way can the research project affect society in a few years’ time?

SWEET could change how we power small electronic devices. Wearable thermoelectric generators allied with greendevelopment of batteries could lead to more sustainable and self-sufficient electronics. This could benefit healthcare (like powering medical sensors) and smart textiles. 

*The Postdoctoral Fellowship action targets researchers holding a PhD who wish to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills and develop their careers. PFs help researchers gain experience in other countries, disciplines and non-academic sectors.