Scientists from Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) developed an ultrathin flexible film embedded with nano-gold particles that can convert tiny temperature changes into electrical signals for wearable and self-powered electronic devices.

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• Researchers developed ultrathin flexible films capable of converting small temperature fluctuations into electricity.
• Technology can support future wearable electronics, smart sensors and energy-efficient devices.
• Study focuses on improving pyroelectric performance, which generates electricity from temperature changes.
• Scientists used Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), a flexible polymer widely used in sensing applications.
• Minute amounts of hexagonal nano-gold particles were embedded into films thinner than 100 nanometres.
• Nano-gold integration significantly improved dipole ordering and pyroelectric efficiency.
• Research team was led by Dipankar Mandal along with collaborators including Sudip Naskar.
• Combination of plasmonics and pyroelectric polymers enhanced thermal-to-electrical energy conversion.
• Film demonstrated efficient energy harvesting within small temperature range of 294–301 K.
• Technology may help create self-powered devices that respond to thermal and optical signals.
• Potential applications include healthcare monitoring, environmental sensing and wearable technology.
• Research also improves broadband optical absorption and thermal sensing capabilities.
• Study was published in Advanced Functional Materials.
• Innovation supports development of lightweight, low-power and autonomous electronic systems.