Scientists at Rice University are working to turn waste heat from industrial processes into electricity. They’ve developed a cutting-edge device that turns heat into electricity with an impressive 60% efficiency, a breakthrough that could redefine how we store and use renewable energy. According to Interesting Engineering, this innovation marks a significant leap toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape. Study co-author Ciril Samuel Prasad described the device, explaining that it “maximizes energy conversion,” making it one of the most efficient clean energy solutions developed to date. Here’s how it works: The researchers combined tiny silicon structures with a base made of tungsten (a very strong and heat-resistant metal) to create a thermal emitter. When heated, it emits light, which is then converted into electricity by solar-like photovoltaic panels. These silicon “nanocylinders” are designed to interact, or “talk,” to each other, releasing the most efficient light. This process minimizes energy loss and majorly boosts energy performance.

Full report : Scientists push boundaries with high-tech device that turns heat source into readily available energy — here’s how it works.