One of the biggest untapped energy sources today is waste heat—the heat lost into the atmosphere from devices like refrigerators, mobile phones, and industrial systems. Over 60% of the energy generated globally dissipates as waste heat, representing a massive loss of potential renewable energy. Harnessing this lost heat to generate electricity would not only increase energy efficiency but also help combat climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
This is where innovative science meets sustainable solutions. Like TRANSLATE, NXTGENWOOD is another innovative project at the forefront of addressing this challenge. Together, they represent the intersection of bioeconomy innovation and cutting-edge nanotechnology, using renewable materials to turn waste into a resource.
The NXTGENWOOD Project: Innovation from Forest to Factory
The NXTGENWOOD project is an Irish research initiative aiming to maximise the value of forestry resources by developing sustainable wood products and biochemicals. Supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, this multisectoral program brings together academia, industry, and government to explore wood’s potential.
Key areas of focus include:
- Developing green adhesives and wood-based composites,
- Extracting valuable biochemicals like lignin and cellulose,
- Creating advanced materials for sustainable applications.
With increasing Irish forestry expansion, NXTGENWOOD’s work contributes to a circular economy, aligning with EU Green Deal goals and sustainability targets. It ensures that wood’s abundant natural resources are utilised efficiently while balancing environmental and economic concerns.
The TRANSLATE Project: Recycling Waste Heat into Power
Meanwhile, the TRANSLATE project tackles waste heat head-on. Funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 program, this initiative is developing a nanofluidic platform to convert thermal energy into electricity. At the heart of this technology are nanochannels filled with electrolyte solutions, which exploit the migration of ions due to temperature differences. TRANSLATE focuses on:
- Nanochannel fabrication,
- Optimising thermoelectric response through simulation, and
- Integrating the technology into energy harvesting devices.
Learn about TRANSLATE through a short video series.
Our latest research has shown that cellulose, a component derived from wood, is the most promising material for creating these nanochannels (Nanochannel Theory Explained). Its natural negative charge and structure enable efficient ion movement, enhancing the conversion of heat into electricity.
The Overlap: Wood Meets Nanotechnology
NXTGENWOOD and TRANSLATE intersect at the use of cellulose, a renewable material found abundantly in wood. Cellulose’s naturally aligned nanochannels are key to TRANSLATE’s thermoelectric devices, eliminating the need for synthetic alternatives like aluminium oxide, which require extensive processing.
By extracting cellulose from wood, researchers in NXTGENWOOD contribute to TRANSLATE’s goal of creating an efficient, eco-friendly platform for waste heat recovery. This collaboration demonstrates how sustainable forestry and advanced materials science can join forces to drive innovation in the energy sector.
Taking Science to the People: Anjali Ashokan at “Thesis in Trees”
The synergy between NXTGENWOOD and TRANSLATE was brought to life by Anjali Ashokan, a PhD student at University College Cork (UCC), during the Thesis in Trees event held at the National Botanic Gardens as part of Bioeconomy Ireland Week. Organized by BiOrbic, AMBER, and the Botanic Gardens, the event showcased innovative research on wood to the public in an engaging and interactive format.
Stationed under a eucalyptus tree, Anjali captivated visitors by explaining how cellulose from wood could be transformed into a device capable of converting body heat into electricity. Using placards, physical models, and an infrared camera, she demonstrated the science behind her work in a way that resonated with both children and adults.
Key highlights of her presentation included:
- The problem of waste heat and its potential as a renewable energy source.
- The advantages of using cellulose as a natural, vertically aligned nanochannel membrane for thermoelectric devices.
- How the charge separation mechanism in nanochannels generates electricity from temperature differences.
- Potential commercial applications and practical uses of the final device.
Through hands-on models and relatable explanations, Anjali bridged the gap between advanced science and everyday understanding, illustrating the transformative potential of merging forestry and nanotechnology.
The Bigger Picture
The collaboration between NXTGENWOOD and TRANSLATE demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary research in tackling global challenges. By leveraging natural materials like cellulose, these projects are advancing sustainable solutions for energy efficiency while promoting a circular economy.
Events like Thesis in Trees highlight the critical role of researchers like Anjali Ashokan in making science accessible to the public. By sharing her work, Anjali not only inspired curiosity but also underscored the vital contributions of bioeconomy and nanotechnology to a sustainable future.
