A team of scientists have produced a device that has the ability to emit electricity through magnetic layers and temperature gradients.

Known as a thermoelectric generator, this particular device contains four layers. Designed by scientists from Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science, it can absorb heat from the sun at the bottom layer, whilst also being able to generate cooling at the very top according to an article on Asia Research News. 

As a result of this temperature gradient, the two layers in-between generate electricity.  

“It is really important to take full advantage of renewable energy in order to achieve a more sustainable society,” said Satoshi Ishii from Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science. 

“Daytime radiative cooling and solar heating have both been used to improve a variety of thermoelectric applications. Our device uses both types of energy simultaneously to generate a thermoelectric voltage.”

Looking forward, the team plans to improve the efficiency of the generator by altering its design and trying out alternative combinations of materials.