IIT Bhilai's Smart Polymer Gel Reduces Cooling Needs and Generates Clean Power
Researchers at IIT Bhilai developed a multifunctional smart polymer gel that lowers building cooling needs by adjusting transparency with temperature and also generates green power as an electrolyte in small devices. This innovation supports India's clean energy goals by combining energy saving and generation in one material, simplifying technology and offering scalable solutions for smarter, greener urban environments.
A research team at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhilai, led by Dr. Sanjib Banerjee, created a smart polymer gel with dual energy-related functions. Firstly, it acts as a smart window coating that dynamically adjusts its transparency based on temperature changes, thereby reducing heat ingress and lowering air conditioning demand in buildings—addressing a major urban energy consumer. Secondly, the same material functions as an electrolyte in small power-generating devices, enabling eco-friendly power generation beyond energy efficiency applications. This multifunctional polymer offers a cost-effective and scalable pathway for energy sustainability by combining cooling demand reduction with clean power production. The innovation supports India's National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency and National Solar Mission, contributing to the development of smarter and greener cities. The team published their pioneering research in the high-impact journal Advanced Functional Materials, affirming IIT Bhilai's role in advancing India’s clean energy technology efforts.
