Development of Multifunctional Smart Polymeric Material for Emerging Applications

Abstract Stimuli‐responsive polymers are of great interest due to their multifunctionality and potential across diverse fields. Herein, the synthesis of a dual stimuli‐responsive random copolymer, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐ random ‐L‐lysine methacrylamide) [poly(NIPAM‐ r ‐LysMAM)], prepared via free radical polymerization in water is reported. The incorporation of L‐lysine methacrylamide introduces pendant ─COOH and ─NH 2 groups, enabling pH‐responsive behavior, while the PNIPAM backbone imparts thermo‐responsiveness. The copolymer demonstrates multifunctionality through three distinct applications: i) efficient dye adsorption, achieving up to 97% removal of a model anionic dye (Eosin B) within 24 h, ii) smart window functionality, with reversible and durable thermo‐induced transparency modulation over multiple heating‐cooling cycles, and iii) hydrogel‐based energy generation, where Cu 2+ ‐ and Zn 2+ ‐cross‐linked metallogels serve as electrolytes in galvanic cells, supported by open‐circuit voltage, charge–discharge, and impedance spectroscopy analyses. These results highlight poly(NIPAM‐ r ‐LysMAM) as a versatile multifunctional platform, offering integrated solutions for environmental remediation, energy‐efficient smart windows, and hydrogel‐based electrochemical devices.