Science & Technology

Scientists discover way to generate electricity from ice

By T.K. Randall
September 7, 2025 ·  5 comments

Image: Eaved Icicles
Credit: Natasha2006 / (PD) The discovery, which was spearheaded by the Institute of Nanoscience of Barcelona, concerns the phenomenon of flexoelectricity, which is where ordinary ice can generate electricity when it is subjected to mechanical deformation.

Under certain, extreme cold environments, electric polarization builds up on the ice's surface.

This, in fact, may help to explain how charge accumulates in thunderstorm clouds.

In practical terms, scientists were able to produce a measurable electric charge in a lab when ice slabs were gently bent between two metal plates.In the future, the electromechanical capabilities of ice could make it a viable electricity source in certain situations - in particular in polar regions where ice is abundant.

This technology might also have applications both in space and on other planets.

Imagine a probe on Europa using ice to generate power, for instance.

For now, using ice to charge your phone might be a long way off, but it is remarkable just how abundant opportunities to generate electricity actually are.

Even the most mundane thing can potentially end up being an energy source.

Source: Energy Reporters | Comments (5)

Tags: Ice, Electricity