In materials science labs around the world, researchers are performing 'miracles'.

Aerogels could eliminate most of the waste heat from buildings. Piezoelectric nanogenerators could power mobile electronic devices. Graphene transistors could attain speeds of 1THz. And multiferroics like the beastly Ni45Co5Mn40Sn10 mentioned above could replace bulky laptop batteries.

But what is achieved with multi-million dollar government sponsored research grants in controlled labs is difficult to transfer to ones doorstep.

One barrier is economic: an aerogel house would cost $50M! A pricetag that may be acceptable to the Department of Defense, but won't do Peoria Joe much good.