Energy Harvesting Polymer Composites

Plastic films that generate electricity from heat and vibration could replace batteries in sensors and small devices. Dr. Weir’s group will create magnetic polymer composites—flexible plastics embedded with nanoparticles—that harvest energy from their surroundings. The team will first use thermoelectric measurements to convert waste heat into electrical current, a capability the group already has. The higher-risk part of the project explores a novel approach: drawing energy from the mechanical vibrations of nanoparticles inside the material. If successful, these composites could power wireless sensors, medical implants, or environmental monitors without needing batteries or wired connections. This would eliminate battery disposal and replacement costs for devices in hard-to-reach places—inside concrete, on pipelines, or within the human body. The work is fundamental science: it tests whether nanoparticle vibrations can be harnessed at all. Past fundamental research on thermoelectric materials and piezoelectric polymers has already led to self-powered wearable electronics and industrial sensors. This project could open a similar path, turning everyday heat and motion into a reliable power source for the quiet infrastructure that runs modern life.