As global temperatures continue to climb and extreme weather patterns become an ever-present reality, the necessity for innovative thermal management solutions has grown increasingly critical. Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, under the guidance of esteemed professors Han Zhou and Di Zhang, have embarked on a groundbreaking exploration centered on radiative cooling materials specifically tailored for extreme operational environments. Their recent comprehensive review offers a profound understanding of how these advanced materials are pivotal for next-generation thermal control strategies meant to function efficiently under some of the most severe climatic conditions imaginable.
Radiative cooling serves as a passive thermal management approach that facilitates heat dissipation through the emission of infrared radiation into the surrounding space without consuming external energy. This method contrasts starkly with traditional cooling systems, which often falter in extreme settings such as arid deserts, high-altitude aircraft, or even the vacuum of outer space. The insights presented in this review emphasize the critical importance of precisely engineered micro- and nano-scale materials, which are adept at selectively emitting and reflecting thermal radiation. Thus, they can effectively achieve robust cooling even amidst harsh conditions marked by intense solar radiation, high humidity levels, or even complete vacuum scenarios.
The review systematically categorizes the environmental challenges that necessitate innovative cooling solutions into four primary categories, each representing distinct operational climates. First, in terrestrial dwelling environments, materials must display resistance to ultraviolet radiation, microorganisms, intense heat, and environmental pollutants while simultaneously maintaining high emissivity in the mid-infrared spectrum—specifically within the 8 to 13 micrometer range. One notable breakthrough mentioned is a polyoxymethylene nanotextile that accomplishes a remarkable 95% sunlight reflection while emitting 75.7% infrared radiation in the desired spectrum, all while resisting degradation from UV exposure and physical abrasion.
As we delve deeper into terrestrial extreme environments, such as deserts and tropical regions, the need for cooling systems that perform well under high temperatures and extreme humidity becomes paramount. The researchers highlight innovative solutions involving dual-selective emitters. These not only utilize secondary atmospheric windows measured between 3-5 micrometers and 16-25 micrometers but also coordinate with evaporative cooling techniques and phase change materials (PCMs). This synergistic combination results in enhanced heat dissipation capabilities, allowing these systems to remain efficient and reliable in challenging climatic conditions.
When it comes to aeronautical settings, the need for infrared stealth becomes a vital consideration. Here, materials must strategically emit radiation in non-atmospheric windows—specifically the 5 to 8 micrometer range—while suppressing emissions within the 8 to 13 micrometer range to evade detection by thermal imaging systems. The review introduces multilayer metamaterials and photonic crystals that uniquely serve both purposes, offering a solution that marries infrared camouflage with effective radiative cooling. This dual functionality is not just an exercise in academic innovation; it holds practical applications in advanced aircraft designs and military technologies.
The challenges escalate even further in outer space environments, where materials are subjected to the harsh realities of cosmic radiation, atomic oxygen erosion, and blistering temperatures exceeding 1200 degrees Celsius. In this context, the review addresses the development of new all-inorganic coatings, including phosphate geopolymer paints and silica aerogels. These materials have shown remarkable resilience in maintaining optical performance, even after pronounced exposure to proton irradiation—an essential characteristic for materials intended for long-duration missions in space.
As the authors navigate the potential applications of these advanced materials, they highlight that their relevance extends far beyond academic curiosity. Radiative cooling materials are beginning to find their way into practical implementations such as architectural coatings, personal cooling garments, aircraft exteriors, and thermal shields for spacecraft. This intersection of advanced materials and real-world application underscores the promising future of passive cooling solutions across various industries.
The review also sets forth a forward-looking perspective regarding the future trajectory of radiative cooling technologies. The concepts of multifunctional materials—those incorporating features such as flame retardancy, UV resistance, antimicrobial properties, and even self-cleaning functionalities—are emerging as key areas of focus. This convergence of capabilities not only enhances operational efficiency but also provides added benefits for end-users across diverse applications.
Moreover, the ability to achieve dynamic spectral tuning—to adapt cooling or heating properties based on specific environmental circumstances—has gained significant attention. This adaptability would enable the creation of smart materials that can respond in real time to changing conditions, optimizing their performance and efficiency as required. Similarly, hybrid cooling systems that blend radiative processes with evaporative and latent heat transformation strategies stand poised to revolutionize traditional thermal management systems, heralding a new era of energy-efficient technologies.
In summary, this extensive review serves as an invaluable framework for advancing the design and development of next-generation radiative cooling materials that can excel in extreme environmental conditions. The cohesive blend of materials science, photonics, and thermal engineering championed by the authors lays the groundwork for innovative, passive cooling technologies capable of transforming everything from urban infrastructures to the exploration of outer space. The ongoing research endeavors led by Professors Han Zhou and Di Zhang at Shanghai Jiao Tong University are set to continue shaping the field, promising a future where thermal management is no longer a limiting factor, but rather a reliable and efficient aspect of environmental control.
In conclusion, the relentless march of technological advancement creates a position of urgency for efficient thermal management solutions. Through meticulous research and innovative thinking, the scientists at Shanghai Jiao Tong University are forging pathways that stretch the boundaries of possibility, addressing an essential need that resonates across all sectors of the modern world.
Subject of Research: Radiative cooling materials for extreme environments
Article Title: Radiative Cooling Materials for Extreme Environmental Applications
News Publication Date: 7-Jul-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01835-9
References: Not provided
Image Credits: Jianing Xu, Wei Xie, Hexiang Han, Chengyu Xiao, Jing Li, Yifan Zhang, Shaowen Chen, Binyuan Zhao, Di Zhang, Han Zhou.
Keywords
Radiative cooling, thermal management, extreme environments, innovative materials, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, passive cooling technology, micro- and nano-structured materials.
