Every day the human body generates a significant amount of heat, a byproduct of metabolism. Every square centimeter of our skin releases heat equal to approximately 19 matches lit every hour. Although this thermal energy represents a potential resource, much of it is currently lost into the atmosphere without being used.
Thanks to innovative technologies, it is possible to imagine a future in which body heat powers devices such as smartwatches and trackers GPSallowing them to function without interruptions. The goal is to develop a device that not only you generate energy, but you conserve it, acting as an internal battery for wearable technology.
Not only the human body, but also the technological world produces enormous quantities of waste heat: from vehicle engines to industrial machines. The emerging concept of waste heat recovery aims to transform this wasted energy into useful electricity, improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Wood and lignin: sustainable solutions for thermoelectric conversion
A revolutionary alternative to traditional thermoelectric materials (often toxic such as cadmium and lead) is the woodmore precisely lignin, a by-product of the paper industry. Researchers from the University of Limerick and Valencia have discovered that lignin-based membranes immersed in a salt solution can convert heat at low temperatures (less than 200°C) into electrical energy.
This technology promises to recover up to 66% of heat wasted by industryrepresenting an eco-friendly option for various sectors, from factories to buildings. Once energy is recovered from waste heat, it is essential to store it. THE supercapacitors are ideal, but currently rely on materials derived from fossil fuels.
Lignin, transformed into porous carbon, offers a renewable alternative, functioning as an electrode to quickly store energy. This combination of energy generation and storage can revolutionize everyday devices, such as wearable electronics, sensors, or even electric vehicles. Furthermore, its sustainable nature makes it an ideal solution for a greener future.
