Killer crystals turn pyroelectricity on bacteria

Crystals of lithium niobate and lithium tantalate powdered and formulated as nanoparticles can act as a disinfectant, killing bacteria at only moderate temperatures, according to researchers in Germany. The crystal powders, which convert warmth into electrical energy and then chemical energy via the pyroelectric effect, could one day be used to disinfect air or water using just heat from the powder's surroundings.  More...

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2012/March/antimicrobial-pyroelectric-crystals-kill-bacteria.asp