Energy harnessing and storage from surface switching with a ferroelectric electrolyte

In the quest for innovative energy solutions suitable for mobile, stationary and digital applications, ferroelectric topological insulators (FETIs)1 emerge as promising candidates. These materials combine topologically protected states with spontaneous and switchable polarization. This study reveals emergent phenomena in FETI-electrolytes through experiments and simulations, specifically in the A3-2xBaxClO family (where A = Li, Na or K, and x = 0 or 0.005). Here, it is shown that surface oscillations of the potential (V), temperature, and mass may synchronize with the bulk's oscillations, and be harnessed and stored in the form of electrical energy either in a sole FETI or in a battery-type cell presenting a panoply of applications from wireless batteries to transistors, memories, sensors, and selective catalysts. Ferroelectric topological insulator electrolytes hold potential in energy applications, particularly in creating efficient batteries. Their combination of ferroelectric and topological insulator properties reduces energy dissipation and enhances operational efficiency.