Scientists in the UK have developed a new material that can turn movement into electricity without using toxic lead — a breakthrough that could power a new generation of safer, greener devices.
The research, led by teams at the University of Birmingham, the University of Oxford, and the University of Bristol, introduces a soft hybrid material that is both highly sensitive to motion and strong enough for real-world use.
The material is based on bismuth iodide, a low-toxicity inorganic salt. Unlike traditional high-performance piezoelectric materials, which often contain large amounts of lead, this new material contains none.
For example, a commonly used piezoelectric ceramic called PZT (lead zirconate titanate) is made up of about 60% lead. By replacing lead with bismuth, the researchers have created a much safer alternative without sacrificing performance.
Piezoelectric materials generate electric energy when they are pressed, stretched, or vibrated. They can also change shape when an electric current is applied.
These unique properties are already used in many everyday technologies, including camera autofocus systems, inkjet printers, airbag sensors, medical ultrasound machines, and wearable devices like fitness trackers.
As demand grows for smart, self-powered electronics, the need for safe and efficient piezoelectric materials is increasing rapidly.
The new hybrid material combines both organic and inorganic components in a carefully designed structure.
According to lead researcher Dr. Esther Hung from the University of Oxford, the team was able to “fine-tune” how these parts interact to create a tiny instability in the structure.
This slight imbalance allows the material to generate a much stronger electrical response when it moves.
In simple terms, the internal structure of the material is just “imperfect” enough to boost its performance. This clever balance between order and disorder is what gives the material its impressive ability to convert motion into electricity.
Another advantage is that the material can be made at room temperature — unlike traditional ceramics that must be heated to extremely high temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Celsius.
This makes the manufacturing process much simpler, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham used advanced tools like X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance to examine how the atoms were arranged.
They discovered that special connections called halogen bonds were key to controlling the material’s structure and improving its performance. This insight could help scientists design even better materials in the future.
The global market for piezoelectric materials is already worth more than $35 billion and continues to grow, especially in the areas of healthcare, robotics, automotive technology, and consumer electronics.
This new discovery opens the door to safer medical implants, flexible wearable sensors, and self-powered electronic devices that are kinder to the environment.
“This is a new path toward truly sustainable technologies,” said Dr. Dominik Kubicki from the University of Birmingham. “We now have a high-performance material that is much safer for people and the planet — and that’s an important step forward for the future of electronics.”
