Research released by the University of St Andrews has unravelled energy harvesting potential using light and movement, discovering the makeup and methods used to generate electricity using an emerging family of semiconductors.
Published in Advanced Functional Materials, the research investigates the potential of low-dimensional halide perovskites— demonstrating their ability to convert ambient energy into electricity through multiple mechanisms including photovoltaic, piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and pyroelectric effects.
These properties are beneficial in energy storage, memory devices and in heat energy harvesting.
Energy harvesting refers to converting the freely available energy in the ambient (which is otherwise gets wasted) to a useful form of electricity.
“This is the first time the ferroelectric properties of this material have been explored in thin film form” said Dr Lethy Krishnan Jagadamma, lead researcher and Reader in the School of Physics and Astronomy. “Our findings open the door to powering wireless Internet of Things (IoT) sensors in indoor environments, where most of these devices are expected to be deployed.”
The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century, particularly in sectors like energy, healthcare, smart buildings and smart cities.
IoT is the smart network of Internet-connected electrical and electronic devices, which can communicate with each other and respond rapidly in real time. IoT is at the heart of all the smart technologies, and Industry 4.0, the complete automation and digitisation of the manufacturing process.
With over 18.8 billion connected devices in use globally – and projections of reaching 75 billion by 2030 – battery limitations pose significant challenges in terms of scalability, environmental impact, and maintenance.
These new materials offer a promising solution. Unlike traditional rigid and low-efficiency materials, halide perovskites are flexible, lightweight, cost-effective, and highly efficient at converting ambient energy into usable power. The research also emphasises the environmental impact of the building sector, which accounts for nearly 30% of global energy use and 28% of CO₂ emissions.
Integrating IoT with energy harvesting technologies could reduce building energy consumption by up to 45%, contributing significantly to global sustainability goals.
“This work supports the vision of ‘green energy everywhere, anytime’,” said Raja Sekhar Muddam, PhD student at the Energy Harvesting Research Group at the University of St Andrews who was heavily involved in the work. “It’s a crucial step toward realising the full potential of Industry 4.0 through clean, self-sustaining power solutions.”
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