What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to develop a thermostat that mimics the thermal regulation of Populus alba leaves using a hydrogel system.

March 22, 2026

Hydrogel Thermostat Inspired by Photoprotective Foliage Using Latent and Radiative Heat Control (Adv. Mater. 17/2026)

Key Points

The aim is to develop a thermostat that mimics the thermal regulation of Populus alba leaves using a hydrogel system.
Design of a radiative-latent thermostat incorporating principles from Populus alba leaves.
Evaluation of solar reflectance and infrared emissivity of the hydrogel.
Assessment of water sorption and desorption capabilities.
The hydrogel demonstrates dynamic solar reflectance and high infrared emissivity.
It exhibits reversible water sorption-desorption, allowing for adaptive thermal regulation.
Performance is effective across varying outdoor environments.

Abstract

Populus alba–Inspired Thermal Regulation In their Research Article (DOI: 10.1002/adma.202516537), Dae-Hyeong Kim, Young Min Song, and co-workers present a radiative-latent thermostat (LRT) inspired by Populus alba leaves. The LRT provides dynamic solar reflectance, high infrared emissivity, and reversible water sorption–desorption capabilities within a hydrogel system to achieve adaptive, passive thermal regulation across varying outdoor environments.

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Cite This Study

Heo et al. (Sun,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69bf8641f665edcd009e8cb4 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.72677

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