Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2025

Experimental System of Solar Adsorption Refrigeration with Concentrated Collector
Published on: October 18, 2017
Designing the Future of Cooling: Superhydrophobic Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling Systems
Numan Ahmed1,2, Xinhong Xiong1,2, Luzhi Zhang1,2
1Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Huzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Huzhou, Huzhou 313000, China.
Abstract:
Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) is a sustainable technology that reduces temperature by utilizing materials with high solar reflectance and thermal emittance to provide cooling without electricity. However, its performance is often compromised by dust and environmental contamination, with even minimal dust deposition (0.1 mg/cm2) reducing cooling capacity by ∼7.1 W/m2. To overcome this, superhydrophobicity has been integrated into PDRC systems through various techniques and materials. This Review explores superhydrophobic PDRC (SH-PDRC) systems, examining their principles, preparation strategies, and material innovations. Advanced fabrication methods, including electrohydrodynamics, phase separation, chemical vapor deposition, and layered patterns, have enabled the development of hierarchical structures that optimize solar reflectance, infrared emissivity, and water repellency. A variety of polymeric, inorganic, and hybrid materials is used to achieve durability, thermal stability, and environmental resilience. These materials are tailored to enhance performance for long-term use in extreme conditions, ensuring a high radiative cooling efficiency. SH-PDRC systems have potential applications in wearable textiles, agricultural greenhouses, and food preservation, demonstrating their versatility. By summarizing recent progress and challenges, this Review aims to provide researchers with clear guidelines for fabricating advanced SH-PDRC systems that achieve enhanced cooling performance, environmental durability, and efficiency, paving the way for designing the future of cooling.
Related Concept Videos
Radiation: Applications
The average...
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss
Mechanism of heat transfer
Conduction, Convection and Radiation: Problem Solving
In order to solve a problem related to heat transfer, first of all, the situation needs to be examined to determine the type of heat transfer involved. This could...
Mechanisms of Heat Transfer
Conduction, accounting for approximately 3% of body heat loss at rest, is the process of exchanging heat between molecules of two materials in direct contact. This can result in both heat loss and gain. For instance, when the body is submerged in water, which conducts heat 20 times more effectively than air, it can either lose or gain significant...

