As part of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES) our researchers are developing new clean energy devices known as thermocells. These devices convert waste heat directly into electricity. Thermocells are like batteries in that they consist of two electrodes in contact with an electrolyte, but with the important advantage that they do not need to be recharged: they can continue to produce power as long as one electrode is hot and the other is cold. Our research tries to understand the science behind the chemical reactions occurring in the thermocell and the effect of different electrolytes and redox couples. We are trying to find safer, alternative electrolytes such as ionic liquids, and also developing solid-state electrolytes such as hydrogels that are important for making flexible devices.