Scientists from Institute of Nano Science and Technology have developed an ultrathin flexible film embedded with nano-gold particles that can convert tiny temperature changes into electrical signals, opening possibilities for self-powered sensors and wearable electronic devices.
The research, supported by the Department of Science and Technology, focuses on developing lightweight, flexible and low-power materials capable of harvesting thermal energy for next-generation smart devices.
The team, led by Prof. Dipankar Mandal along with researcher Sudip Naskar and collaborators, engineered ultrathin films using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a flexible polymer commonly used in electronics and sensing technologies.
Researchers said existing plasmonic-pyroelectric and PVDF composite systems often rely on thicker devices or poorly controlled hybrid interfaces, limiting their use in thin, wearable and low-power electronics.
To overcome these challenges, the scientists embedded tiny hexagonal nanogold particles into films thinner than 100 nanometres. The process significantly improved the pyroelectric performance of the material — its ability to generate electricity from temperature fluctuations.
According to the researchers, the addition of nanogold helped create a highly ordered polar phase in the PVDF film, which is essential for efficient pyroelectric behaviour. The interaction between gold nanoparticles and polymer dipoles also enhanced optical absorption and thermal-to-electrical energy conversion.
The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, demonstrated efficient pyroelectric energy conversion within a small ambient temperature range of 294 to 301 Kelvin, making the material suitable for wearable energy harvesting and thermal sensing applications.
Scientists said the innovation could support the development of smart photodetectors, low-grade heat harvesters and flexible electronic systems for healthcare, environmental monitoring and energy-efficient devices.
The researchers added that combining plasmonic nanomaterials with pyroelectric polymers could pave the way for faster, low-power and self-powered electronic systems capable of responding to both thermal and optical signals.
