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The phenomenon of energy conversion by a thin layer of finely dispersed spontaneously polarized semiconductor sandwiched between two plane-parallel metallic electrodes (being in direct contact with them), upon exposure to hydrogen gas, is studied. When the device is incorporated in a closed electrical circuit, the powder layer acts as a source of direct current. We develop a theoretical model that presupposes that the heat absorbed by the powder layer from the surrounding environment is converted into electrical energy. The model is shown to be consistent with the experiment.

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The structure of materials with a negative electric susceptibility has been determined. Their electrical properties correspond to vanishing static dielectric permittivity. We give a theoretical explanation of anomalous polarization of powders observed in experiments and the mechanism of emergence in an aerosol cloud of an electric field, which is responsible for spark discharges (lightnings). We also explain the ball lightning properties known from observations. A fundamental scientific problem has been solved and the grounds have been laid for applications of new principles in electronics and electrical engineering.

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