A REVOLUTIONARY fabric which could lead to carpets powering mobile phones is in line for a top award.

The Bolton-made fibre which harnesses wind, rain and sun as well as energy from footsteps is being recognised at the internationally recognised Future Materials Award 2014 in Germany next month.

The ground-breaking flexible piezoelectric fibres can generate electricity by harnessing the energy created by an impact or movement — for example a footstep on a carpet.

And the “photovoltaic-piezoelectric” flexible fibre, developed at the University of Bolton, has the potential to be woven into carpets — such as those in airports — and charge devices such as mobile phones, replacing the needs for rechargeable batteries.

The fabric has been developed by Professor Elias Siores, of the University of Bolton’s Institute for Materials Research and Innovation (IMRI), and his research and development team.

Professor Siores was recently awarded the medal of the year by the International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM) in August.

The Knowledge Centre for Materials Chemistry (KCMC) and Chemistry Innovation funded the research.

He said: “We’re thrilled to be shortlisted in the Future Materials Award this year as they are well-known and well-respected by both academics and industry.

“We look forward to hearing if we have been successful.”

FibreLec Ltd is the University of Bolton’s research partner and is taking the fibre to market. The proceeds will support the scholarships and bursaries for students studying science, technology and maths (STEM) at the university.

It has been shortlisted for the Best Innovation — Industrial Textiles category at the ceremony taking place on November 26 Bolton is regarded as a world-leading centre for the research of “smart materials” science.

FibrLec is the current sponsors for Bolton Wanderers Football Club which will promote the new and innovative sustainable energy material on a national and international stage.