Scientists find that ice generates electricity when bent An international research team, including the Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, has discovered that ordinary ice exhibits flexoelectricity—it can generate electricity when unevenly deformed or bent. This study, published in Nature Physics (2025), reveals new electromechanical properties of ice and has both technological and natural implications. --- Key Findings Ice as a flexoelectric material: Ice generates electric charge when subjected to inhomogeneous mechanical stress (bending or uneven deformation) at all temperatures up to 0 °C. Surface ferroelectricity: Below -113 ºC (160 K), ice also exhibits a thin ferroelectric surface layer that can develop natural electric polarization. This polarization is reversible under an external electric field, similar to magnetic poles flipping. Comparable to electroceramics: These properties position ice similarly to advanced electroceramic materials like titanium dioxide, widely used in sensors and capacitors. --- Experimental Overview Researchers measured electric potential by bending ice slabs placed between metal plates. The generated electric potentials closely matched those observed during ice-particle collisions inside thunderstorms. --- Implications Natural phenomena The flexoelectric effect might explain how ice particles in clouds acquire electric charge during collisions, a crucial step in the buildup of the electric potential that leads to lightning. Prior to this discovery, the electrical charging of ice particles was unclear as ice is not piezoelectric (cannot generate charge by uniform compression). Technological potential This understanding opens possibilities for developing electronic devices using ice as an active material, especially in cold environments where ice could be fabricated and utilized directly. --- Additional Information The study was co-led by ICN2 at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Xi'an Jiaotong University (China), and Stony Brook University (USA). Full study: Wen, X. et al., Flexoelectricity and surface ferroelectricity of water ice, Nature Physics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-025-02995-6 Editors’ notes confirm the article is fact-checked, peer-reviewed, from trusted sources, and proofread. --- Summary Ice demonstrates flexoelectricity, generating electric charge under bending stress, with surface ferroelectricity appearing at very low temperatures. These properties provide a plausible mechanism for electric charge generation in ice clouds, enhancing understanding of lightning formation and opening doors to new ice-based electronic technologies, especially in cold settings.