Imagine using your skin to supply electricity for your electronic devices. Thanks to a recent scientific discovery, the idea is getting closer to being true. Researchers from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Fudan University, and collaborators have developed a new class of flexible thermoelectric materials that are both efficient and mechanically flexible. Their work, published in Nature Communications, demonstrates the potential to generate electricity from body heat using a soft, wearable material—overcoming long-standing limitations in thermoelectric research. 

The Thermoelectric Breakthrough 

At QUT, Dr. Nan-Hai Li and Professor Zhi-Gang Chen led the team to develop a multinary alloy of silver, copper, tellurium, selenium, and sulfur, which they call AgCu(Te,Se,S). The product has a good thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT ~ 0.83 at 343 K) and still has a high level of mechanical flexibility, able to resist up to 10% strain. This combination of performance and ductility marks a significant advance for thermoelectric applications in wearable electronics and other soft materials. 

Science Behind the Innovation 

The main idea behind this innovation is a method known as vacancy engineering. By deliberately manipulating the number and distribution of atomic vacancies in the crystal structure, the researchers fine-tuned the material's electrical transport properties and thermal conductivities. The addition of selenium and sulfur to AgCuTe increased the number of carriers, lowered thermal conductivity in the lattice, and helped set up a flexible Ag-S bond. The result is a material that performs well in terms of both thermoelectric properties and mechanical durability—ideal for human body–mounted applications. 

Schematic diagram of the microstructural characteristics of the as-prepared material (AgCu)_0.998Te_0.8Se_0.1S_0.1. (Li et al., 2025) 

From Lab to Skin: Device Integration 

In order to assess the material’s practicality, the group fabricated a thin-film device by blending the newly discovered p-type AgCu(Te,Se,S) alloy with well-established n-type Bi2Te3. When placed on a human arm, the device generated approximately 126 µW/cm² under a temperature difference of 25 K. Notably, the device continued to produce a stable voltage output even during bending and movement, validating its potential for wearable devices and self-powered electronic devices. These thermoelectric films exhibit promising electrical conductivity and low internal resistance, contributing to maximum output power and stable performance. 

Supporting Thermoelectric Innovation 

Innovations like this highlight the evolving landscape of advanced materials research—one where precise elemental control, electrical properties optimization, and thermal resistance engineering are key to unlocking performance. MSE Supplies is proud to help scientists involved in modern thermoelectric research by providing some of the needed tools and materials. 

Real-World Potential and Future Implications 

The successful demonstration of a flexible thermoelectric generator opens new opportunities in wearable electronics. Devices like self-powered fitness trackers, health monitors, and other on-skin electronics can now be designed to harvest body heat without relying on batteries. By converting low-grade heat sources into electrical energy, these thermoelectric devices offer a sustainable path to reclaim waste heat for practical applications. Moreover, the simple and scalable synthesis of this new composite film makes it suitable for both laboratory research and commercial development. 

 This achievement brings us a major step closer to sustainable energy choices for wearable technology. By combining mechanical flexibility with strong thermoelectric performance, the QUT-led team has addressed a key challenge in energy harvesting. With access to high-purity materials, preparation tools, and analytical services from MSE Supplies, researchers worldwide can take the next step in transforming current materials into next-generation solutions for flexible thermoelectric applications. 

Stay informed and equipped for the next generation of energy research. MSE Supplies provides a wide range of high-purity materials, laboratory equipment, and analytical services that empower researchers to transform discoveries like this into functional, scalable technologies. Follow MSE Supplies on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter for insights, product updates, and expert resources in advanced materials science. 

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