A research team composed of Chinese scientists has successfully created a plastic thermoelectric film featuring an irregular multilevel pore structure. This innovative material boasts a thermoelectric figure of merit (zT value) of 1.64, establishing a new global benchmark for the performance of flexible thermoelectric materials within the same temperature spectrum. The preparation of this material employs the 'polymer phase separation' technique, which is seamlessly compatible with spray coating processes, thereby simplifying the manufacturing procedure.

This groundbreaking achievement not only expedites the practical deployment of polymer thermoelectric materials but also enhances our comprehension of thermoelectric conversion principles in soft matter materials. It hints at a future where ordinary plastics could harness waste heat, effectively transforming them into miniature power stations.