Windows are often the weak link in a building’s energy efficiency. They let in light and views but also allow heat to escape in winter and pour in during summer. The scientists at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new transparent material for solving this dilemma. A silicone-based gel that can be applied to windows to trap heat without blocking visibility.
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What is MOCHI and how does it work?
The new material is called Mesoporous Optically Clear Heat Insulator (MOCHI). This material blends high transparency with strong thermal insulation. This is something traditional glass or insulation gaps have struggled to do. MOCHI is a special silicone gel laced with air pockets, which disrupts heat transfer while still letting light pass through almost unhindered. The sheets are only 5 millimetres thick and can block significant heat flow. The amount would be enough to protect a person’s palm from flame heat while reflecting a minuscule 0.2% of light. The researchers have described the microscopic structure as a labyrinth of hair-thin channels of trapped air. These tiny pores make heat transfer inefficient because the gas molecules bump into pore walls instead of each other.
Why could this matter for buildings and energy use?
The MOCHI can be manufactured at scale. This product could help buildings save energy year-round. In winter, less heat would escape, and in summer, indoor spaces could stay cooler without heavy air conditioning. The team of researchers aims at applications where MOCHI is part of systems that trap sunlight’s warmth and reuse it inside the building.
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MOCHI offers a dual benefit for architects and builders: it offers natural light, and views remain unspoiled while energy efficiency improves dramatically. The material works as a thin gel film that can be retrofitted onto existing glass or incorporated into new construction without bulky frames or opaque coatings.
MOCHI is still developing in the lab and is not yet commercially available. This material shows a promise towards a future where windows do much more than provide a view, helping power comfort and sustainability.
