A Breakthrough Discovery from the Beihang University’ Brazil Centre
A wall that knows when to keep you warm and when to keep you cool — that’s the elegant idea behind a remarkable new breakthrough from Beihang University, published in the top-tier journal Advanced Materials.
A team led by Associate Researcher Ding Yilin and the brilliant Professor Diao Xungang of the BUAA Brazil Centre has created the Multispectral Synergistic Electrochromic Regulator (MSECR), an all-solid-state smart coating that dynamically switches a building between cooling and heating modes across the entire solar and infrared spectrum. It’s the first device of its kind to harness the long-overlooked “third atmospheric window,” unlocking nearly 20% extra cooling power in dry climates, and it does so while still allowing beautiful, customisable colours. Validated everywhere from global energy simulations to the deserts of Dunhuang, this is exactly the kind of clever, patient, world-class science that moves us towards genuinely sustainable buildings.
Enormous credit is due to Professor Diao and his team, whose dedication and ingenuity shine through every layer of this work — a truly inspiring achievement worth celebrating.
Congratulations to Prof. Diao and team!
Press release from Beihang Uni: https://news.buaa.edu.cn/info/1005/69574.htm
Access to the full paper: Mei, Z.; Ding, Y.; Shi, S.; Lin, B.; Wang, C.; Diao, X. “Multispectral Synergistic Electrochromic Regulator With Triple Atmospheric Windows Selectivity for Global Building Energy Saving.” Advanced Materials 2026, e74225. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.74225
Materials at Extremes 