CeNS Bengaluru develops low-cost electrochromic smart windows
On 29 July 2025, DST said researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru, made cost-effective smart windows using TiO2 films in place of tungsten oxide.
Summary
Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, have demonstrated cost-effective electrochromic smart windows, the Ministry of Science and Technology reported on 29 July 2025. Such windows change colour with a small electrical stimulus, block visible and near-infrared light to cut heat gain, and can also store electrical energy. The team replaced costly tungsten oxide (WO3) with titanium dioxide (TiO2) films, which could make the technology more accessible for energy-saving buildings.
Key facts
- Institute
- CeNS, Bengaluru (DST)
- Technology
- Electrochromic smart windows
- Key change
- TiO2 films replace tungsten oxide (WO3)
- Benefits
- Block visible and NIR light; store energy
Practice MCQs 1 questions
To make electrochromic smart windows cheaper, CeNS Bengaluru researchers (July 2025) replaced tungsten oxide (WO3) with films of:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Titanium dioxide (TiO2)
PIB (29 July 2025): the CeNS team demonstrated a cost-effective alternative by replacing WO3 with TiO2 films.