A deep dive into groundbreaking research showing ordinary ice can generate electricity through flexoelectric bending and a thin surface ferroelectric layer. We explain how strain gradients in ice crystals create charge, why the effect peaks near −113°C and grows as ice develops a quasi-liquid surface, and how electrode work functions drive interfacial electron transfer. With the butterfly hysteresis signature as the smoking gun, we explore implications for thunderstorm charging and potential cold‑weather sensors and energy harvesters. A fresh look at a familiar material that could reshape how we think about ice—and perhaps lightning itself.

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