Create a super-elastic material that can generate electricity when pulled or compressed

The new material is based on the piezoelectric principle that converts mechanical force into charge and vice versa.

A group of researchers has developed an organic material resembling rubber with high elasticity, which is interesting when stretching or compressing produces electricity . New material is thin and flexible, but difficult to produce. The ability to convert mechanical force into electrical energy becomes a valuable asset that can be widely applied as production technology advances.

Clothing that uses new materials can be used to charge the phone.

The piezoelectric effect has already emerged in recorders with the needle pointing the grooves on the disk to create mechanical vibration. These vibrations are then converted into electrical impulses, and then amplified to sound waves.

But in this case, researchers from Empa, the Swiss Federal Institute for Materials Science and Technology, have made the material far beyond the usual application.

First, they created a thin, elastic film that then combined with nanoparticles and silicon. Then, to create piezoelectricity, they put an electric field into the material by heating it at high temperature. Finally, the film is cooled to room temperature.

In the future, new materials can be enhanced with the flexibility and organic properties that allow for diverse applications in life. It can be used in medical devices, such as pacemakers, pressure sensors.

"This kind of material can even be used to get energy from the body, for example from a heartbeat," said Opris, a team spokesman. Not to mention, they can be integrated on clothing, or create interesting interactive surfaces.