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3D-Printed Hierarchical Bilayer Metasurfaces for Simultaneous Self-Cleaning, Multispectral Protection, and Subambient
Jingyi Chen1, Xiaotong Chen1, Junzhe Xin2
1Institute of Advanced Structure Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing100081, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|August 13, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a 3D-printed coating that cleans itself, protects against multiple light spectra, and cools below ambient temperatures. This innovative material offers durable, multifunctional protection for high-altitude applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Optics
Background:
- Achieving simultaneous self-cleaning, multispectral protection, and subambient cooling in a single coating presents significant material challenges.
- Existing technologies often face trade-offs between these functionalities, such as hierarchical roughness disrupting spectral selectivity or high-index materials hindering infrared emission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel 3D-printed hierarchical bilayer metasurface coating capable of integrated self-cleaning, multispectral protection, and subambient cooling.
- To overcome fundamental material conflicts hindering the simultaneous realization of these properties in a single functional coating.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a hierarchical bilayer metasurface (TZP/MS) using vat photopolymerization with in situ slurry switching.
- Structural partitioning within the coating to decouple distinct functionalities: a top metasurface for optical properties and a porous substrate for thermal and electromagnetic properties.
Main Results:
- The coating exhibits hydrophobic self-cleaning (126.3° contact angle) and high broadband solar reflection (89.2%).
- It provides laser protection (94.2-96.8% at 532-1064 nm), significant electromagnetic absorption (-42.3 dB reflection loss), and high infrared emissivity (97.2%) for radiative cooling (9.5 °C below ambient).
- The self-cleaning topography demonstrated >94% reflectance recovery after contamination, showcasing autonomous performance restoration and exceptional specific strength and flexibility.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D-printed hierarchical bilayer metasurface coating successfully integrates self-cleaning, multispectral protection, and subambient cooling.
- This work establishes a new design paradigm for durable, multifunctional coatings, particularly for demanding environments like high altitudes.
