Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhilai have developed a multifunctional smart polymer gel that both reduces building cooling demand and generates power a discovery that could transform the way urban India manages its energy footprint.
The new material dynamically adjusts its transparency according to temperature changes, working much like a self-regulating window coating. By limiting heat gain during hot conditions, it lessens the need for air-conditioning one of the largest contributors to electricity consumption in cities. In cooler conditions, it allows greater light and warmth indoors, maintaining comfort while lowering overall energy use.
In parallel, the same polymer acts as an electrolyte in small-scale energy devices, allowing it to store or generate power sustainably. The dual function makes it one of the first materials from an Indian lab capable of addressing both energy efficiency and renewable generation in a single system.A senior faculty member from IIT Bhilai said the material was designed to “simplify the complex interplay between energy conservation and generation” two priorities central to India’s climate and urban sustainability missions. “If widely adopted, such materials could drastically reduce urban energy loads while supplementing renewable sources,” the researcher noted.
Experts in sustainable building technology describe the innovation as timely, as India’s cities face a steep rise in cooling demand. According to government estimates, nearly 45% of urban electricity use is linked to air-conditioning. Materials that automatically regulate heat and light could help urban developers design low-energy buildings without compromising comfort or aesthetics.Industry analysts believe the polymer’s scalable potential could benefit sectors beyond real estate including transport interiors, greenhouses, and consumer devices that require both thermal regulation and low-voltage power systems. By integrating two energy-related functions into one, the material also promises to lower production costs and reduce dependence on multiple systems.
The research, published in Advanced Functional Materials, underlines India’s growing leadership in materials science aimed at sustainable cities. It aligns with national missions such as the National Solar Mission and the National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency, both of which emphasise cost-effective, low-carbon innovation.As Indian cities expand, the need for intelligent materials that respond to climate challenges will only intensify. IIT Bhilai’s breakthrough offers a glimpse of a future where buildings can adapt, conserve, and even produce energy a key step towards self-sufficient, climate-resilient urban ecosystems.
Raipur Innovation By IIT Bhilai Unveils Smart Polymer Cutting Cooling Needs Generating Power
