Creating electricity with caged atoms

Clathrates are crystals consisting of tiny cages in which single atoms can be enclosed. These atoms significantly alter the material properties of the crystal. By trapping cerium atoms in a clathrate, scientists at the Vienna University of Technology have created a material which has extremely strong thermoelectric properties. It can be used to turn waste heat into electricity.

Fuente : http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-09/vuo…