Materials Science World Congress

Materials for energy harvesting from waste heat are paving the way for sustainable and efficient energy solutions by converting lost thermal energy into usable power. These innovative materials focus on capturing waste heat—an often-overlooked byproduct from industrial processes, vehicles, and even household appliances—and transforming it into electricity through advanced thermoelectric and pyroelectric mechanisms.

Thermoelectric materials are central to this field. They leverage the Seebeck effect, where a temperature difference across the material generates an electric voltage. These materials are particularly valuable in industrial sectors, where waste heat levels are substantial. For example, manufacturing facilities and power plants can incorporate thermoelectric devices to reclaim energy from high-temperature equipment, potentially lowering energy costs and reducing carbon emissions.

Advances in materials science have brought new, efficient materials like nanostructured compounds, skutterudites, and half-Heusler alloys, which offer high thermal-to-electric conversion efficiency. Research is also exploring the integration of these materials into flexible and wearable electronics, enabling personal devices to be powered by body heat.

Energy harvesting from waste heat not only provides an alternative to conventional energy sources but also contributes to environmental sustainability. By maximizing energy recovery, industries can reduce waste, improve overall efficiency, and lessen their ecological footprint. As technology advances, materials for waste heat energy harvesting are set to become integral to a circular energy economy, transforming thermal waste into a valuable resource for a sustainable future.