raw · papers · ingested 2026-07-02
Transparent phase change hydrogel for energy-efficient thermal regulation in windows (J. Energy Storage 2025)
confidence: medium
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352152X25003147
Source: Journal of Energy Storage 2025, S2352152X25003147 (abstract-level; full text paywalled/403). Credibility: Peer-reviewed, recent; numbers from abstract only → confidence medium.
Key points
- Salt-hydrate PCM in a poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel → 90% visible transmittance, 78% total solar transmittance.
- Transparent in BOTH phases — the standout property. The gel network constrains crystal domains so solidification doesn’t create large scattering regions.
- Network also prevents leakage (shape stabilization).
- Melting enthalpy 133.3 J/g, melt point 32.8 °C; <10 J/g loss after 500 cycles.
- Demonstrates clarity need not sacrifice latent-heat density when the matrix is index-tuned and confining.