Some electronic device components, including batteries, LEDs, and computer
Researchers wanted to develop intelligentthermogalvanic hydrogel, which could convert waste heat into electricity, while lowering the temperature. So far, scientists have developed devices that can do one or the other, but not both at the same time.
The team made a hydrogel consisting ofpolyacrylamide framework filled with water and specific ions. When they heated the hydrogel, two ions (ferricyanide and ferrocyanide) transferred electrons between the electrodes, generating electricity. Meanwhile, the water inside the hydrogel evaporated, cooling it. After use, the hydrogel restored itself by absorbing water from the surrounding air.
This is what the device looks like. It also shows how it works.
To showcase new material,the researchers attached it to the cell phone battery during quick discharge. Part of the waste heat was converted to 5 μW of electricity, and the battery temperature decreased by 20 ° C. Lower operating temperature ensures safe battery operation, and collected electricity is enough to charge or control the cooling system.