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Multicolor Dynamic Radiative Modulators for Intelligent Thermal Regulation in Energy-Efficient Buildings
Shengliang Zhang1,2, Junhua Zhou1, Zekun Huang1
1State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control for Aerospace Structures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Energy Storage Technologies, College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
|April 7, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a flexible multicolor dynamic radiative modulator (MDRM) for intelligent building thermal regulation. The novel device enhances energy efficiency by dynamically tuning thermal radiation, offering a sustainable solution for buildings.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Dynamic radiative modulators offer potential for building energy savings by tuning mid-infrared emissivity.
- Current limitations include poor color tunability, slow switching, and short device lifespans, hindering practical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and demonstrate a flexible multicolor dynamic radiative modulator (MDRM) for intelligent thermal regulation in buildings.
- To overcome the limitations of existing technologies by improving tunability, switching speed, and cycling life.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a flexible MDRM using a polyaniline nanorod cathode and a Zn2+-based quasi-solid gel electrolyte.
- Characterization of the device's electrochromic performance, including multiband modulation, switching speed, and cycling stability.
- Evaluation of the temperature regulation capability of the MDRM.
Main Results:
- The flexible MDRM demonstrated high multiband modulation (visible to MIR) with ΔR = 0.32 and Δε = 0.34.
- The device exhibited fast switching speeds and good cycling stability, retaining 75.6% capacity after 2000 cycles.
- The MDRM achieved a significant temperature regulation of 8.8 °C.
Conclusions:
- The developed flexible MDRM offers multicolor tunability and dynamic thermal radiation modulation for building envelopes.
- The device shows great potential for energy-efficient building thermal management, contributing to sustainability goals.
- This work presents a viable strategy for creating advanced radiative modulators for energy savings and carbon neutrality.
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