British Council GREAT lecture: Energy harvesting and new sensors – what the future holds

Energy harvesting and new sensors – what the future holds
featuring
Prof. Chris Bowen, Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Engineering and Design, University of Bath

About the lecture 

The Internet of Things has led to significant demand for new sensors and energy harvesters. It is expected that there will be over 75 billion connected devices, sensors, and actuators globally by 2025.

In this lecture, Prof. Bowen will provide an overview of smart materials capable of harvesting mechanical, thermal, and chemical energy –  highlighting the important role of these new functional materials in creating next-generation sensors and self-powered systems.

Prof. Bowen will discuss piezoelectric, pyroelectric and ferroelectric materials which are able to interact with both heat and mechanical loads. In cases where these properties present in the same material, he will highlight the intriguing prospect of a material that can harvest energy from multiple sources including vibration, light and heat.

Prof. Bowen will also discuss new and emerging applications for these fascinating materials, such as water-splitting for hydrogen generation and water treatment for disinfection.

About the speaker

Prof. Chris Bowen  is Associate Dean at the Faculty of Engineering and Design, University of Bath. He is responsible for coordinating and promoting research initiatives across the Faculty. His research interests include the manufacture and characterization of ferroelectric ceramics and piezoactive composites for sensor, actuator, and energy harvesting applications.

About the University

The University of Bath  received its Royal Charter in 1966, and is now established as a Top 10* UK university with a reputation for research and teaching excellence. More than 19,000 learners study at Bath, with international students from 147 countries and territories making up 32% of the total student body. 

* Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, Guardian University Guide 2022, Complete University Guide 2022