The University of Turku highlighted thin polymer films that combine electrically controlled color changes with energy storage in a May 29, 2026 announcement about Sachin Kochrekar’s doctoral research. The university identifies smart windows as one possible future application.
The dissertation examines porphyrin-based copolymer films made with nickel, zinc or no central metal. In the tested materials, the nickel version showed three reversible color states, while the other two showed two. The research included electrochromic-supercapacitor experiments using a concentrated, water-based zinc-chloride electrolyte.
These are laboratory electrochemical materials. The films were synthesized on conductive glass substrates; they are not described as an adhesive retrofit product ready for window-film installers.
Future devices could unite light control and storage. The announcement supplies no building-trial results, quantified cooling savings or demonstrated electricity-generating window.
Sources & reporting notes
- Väittelijä kehitti monitoimisen älymateriaalin, joka varastoi energiaa ja vaihtaa väriä University of Turku · Source dated May 29, 2026Finnish university release; translated and paraphrased. No direct quotations used.
- Kochrekar doctoral dissertation University of TurkuJune 2026 thesis; combines earlier and submitted papers.
- Materials Chemistry Research Group: News University of Turku · Source dated June 4, 2026Dated defense entry.
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