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Eco-friendly Multiscale Nanostructure Aerogels for Energy Conservation via Radiative Cooling
Xiaomin Zeng1, Jinling Liang1, Yangyang Sun1
1Guangxi Key Laboratory of Optical and Electronic Materials and Devices, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin541004, P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Eco-friendly polymer aerogels with multiscale nanostructures achieve high-efficiency radiative cooling. This advanced material significantly reduces temperatures and conserves building energy, supporting green building goals.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Sustainable Energy
Background:
- Polymer-based radiative cooling materials are key for green buildings and carbon neutrality.
- Current eco-friendly materials need improved optical performance for efficient cooling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a novel multiscale nanostructure calcium carbonate (CaCO3)/polyvinyl alcohol aerogel (MNCPA) for enhanced radiative cooling.
- To improve the optical performance of eco-friendly polymer-based radiative cooling materials.
Main Methods:
- An optical simulation-guided approach was used to design and fabricate the MNCPA.
- The MNCPA features a multiscale nanostructure with nanostrips, CaCO3 nanoparticles (NPs), and nano-protrusions.
- Characterization involved analyzing solar reflectivity and infrared emissivity.
Main Results:
- The MNCPA demonstrated enhanced full-spectrum solar reflectivity across UV-visible and near-infrared bands.
- Enhanced emissivity in the atmospheric transparency window (8-13 μm) was achieved.
- Outdoor testing showed a temperature reduction of ~15.8 °C, outperforming commercial films by ~5.1 °C.
Conclusions:
- The multiscale nanostructure of MNCPA significantly boosts radiative cooling performance.
- Building energy simulations indicated an average annual cooling energy saving of ~16.85%.
- This strategy offers a viable path for developing advanced eco-friendly materials for building energy conservation.
