Silk Thread Breakthrough Turns Clothing Into Power Generators

A research team led by Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has developed a breakthrough silk thread coated with a conductive polymer, enabling textiles to generate electricity. This innovation opens up possibilities for clothing that can charge electronics or power health-monitoring devices.

Thermoelectric textiles, like this silk thread, convert temperature differences—such as body heat and ambient air—into electricity. The technology, developed by Chalmers’ researchers, could eliminate the need for batteries in wearable sensors, making it possible to monitor health metrics, like heart rate, continuously.

“Polymers we use are bendable, lightweight and non-toxic—perfect for close-to-skin applications,” says Mariavittoria Craighero, doctoral student and lead author on the study. The Chalmers team achieved both enhanced conductivity and stability in the thread using a newly discovered polymer that performs well even in air exposure and does not rely on rare earth metals, typically used in electronics.

In demonstration, the researchers created a button and a textile sample sewn with the thermoelectric silk thread. When placed between hot and cold surfaces, the textile generated measurable voltage, showing potential for use with portable electronics through a USB connector. The thread retained significant conductivity after seven machine washes, marking a promising step toward commercial readiness.

While mass production is not yet viable due to manual sewing requirements, the team envisions automated processes to scale production. “Our findings demonstrate the potential of conductive organic materials to meet the demands of thermoelectric textiles,” says Professor Christian Müller, research lead. “This advancement could bring real societal benefits as we explore sustainable energy sources in wearable technology.”