In the second half of the renewable energy revolution, silicone rubber is breaking through its traditional roles as an insulator and sealant, transforming into an active medium for energy conversion and storage. This transformation not only reconstructs the functional boundaries of materials but also  (gives birth to) entirely new species of "self-powered" systems.

I. Paradigm Shift in Mechanical-Electrical Energy Conversion

The piezoelectric silicone rubber composite developed by a MIT team achieves a topological arrangement of lead zirconate titanate nanocrystals, boosting the efficiency of converting mechanical deformation into electrical energy to 68%. A 3-mm-thick power-generating module implanted in shoe soles can produce 0.3 joules of electricity per step, sufficient to continuously power a smart wristband. Even more remarkable is the ocean energy harvesting device: the flexible silicone surge generator tested in the Yellow Sea achieved a daily power generation of 12 kWh per square meter, with a conversion efficiency three times that of traditional turbines.

The thermal management field is undergoing a dual revolution. Phase-change energy-storage silicone capsules, through a dynamic reversible cross-linking network, achieve a latent heat storage density of 18 MJ/m³ in the 40–80°C range, with a charging/discharging efficiency of 92%. When combined with thermoelectric modules, the comprehensive energy efficiency of industrial waste heat recovery systems exceeds the 40% ceiling. A steel mill  (field measurement) saved 230 million kWh annually using this technology.

II. Dimensional Breakthrough in Chemical Energy Storage

In the field of solid-state batteries, silicone rubber electrolytes achieve a perfect balance between ion conductivity and mechanical strength. By constructing a three-dimensional lithium-ion "highway" network, the material maintains 200% stretchability while achieving an ionic conductivity exceeding 5×10⁻³ S/cm. CATL’s flexible battery based on this technology has an energy density of 450 Wh/kg and can be cut to change shape, providing an ultimate power solution for wearable devices.

A more radical innovation lies in hydrogen energy storage. A microporous silicone rubber hydrogen storage material developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences achieves a hydrogen storage density of 6.5 wt% under normal temperature and pressure through supramolecular host-guest interactions. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles equipped with this "solid-state hydrogen tank" can achieve a range exceeding 1,200 kilometers. The hydrogen refueling process is simplified to module replacement, with safety far surpassing high-pressure gaseous hydrogen storage.

III. Quantum Leap in Light Energy Harnessing

Perovskite-silicone rubber composite photovoltaic materials have broken through efficiency barriers. Through stress engineering to regulate lattice matching, flexible photovoltaic modules achieve a conversion efficiency of 28.7% and retain 95% performance after 1,000 bends. When integrated into Adidas’ concept sportswear, this material can fully charge a mobile phone after 2 hours of sunlight exposure, completely rewriting the power supply logic for wearable devices.

Even more sci-fi is the night-time radiative cooling power generation system. A silicone film containing radiative cooling particles generates a continuous current via the Seebeck effect while releasing heat through the 8–13μm atmospheric window. After installing this material on the roof of an experimental building in Dubai, the nighttime power generation reached 23 watts per square meter, providing reverse energy supply for the building’s lighting system.


110 Methyl Vinyl Silicone Gum