Harbin Institute of Technology reported a hydrated ionic-polymer film for thermochromic windows on July 24, 2025. The university said its researchers achieved reversible changes between colourless and coloured states while maintaining a clear view.
The reported mechanism uses temperature-driven hydration and dehydration to change nickel-ion coordination and light absorption. The university presented the approach as a way to adjust solar transmission without a separate electrical switching system.
The announcement identifies a Nature Communications paper and describes experimental work alongside building-energy simulations. TintNews reviewed the university’s account, but could not inspect the full paper for this brief, so detailed temperature-drop and energy-saving percentages are not repeated.
This is a report of an announced research result, not evidence of a commercially available film or performance guaranteed in an occupied home. Longer-term practical suitability requires evidence beyond the university announcement.
Sources & reporting notes
- Harbin Institute of Technology reports hydrated ionic-polymer thermochromic film Harbin Institute of Technology · Source dated July 24, 2025
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