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Radiative cooling and indoor light management enabled by a transparent and self-cleaning polymer-based metamaterial

Author

Listed:
  • Gan Huang

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

  • Ashok R. Yengannagari

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

  • Kishin Matsumori

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

  • Prit Patel

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

  • Anurag Datla

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

  • Karina Trindade

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

  • Enkhlen Amarsanaa

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

  • Tonghan Zhao

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

  • Uwe Köhler

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

  • Dmitry Busko

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

  • Bryce S. Richards

    (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
    Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Transparent roofs and walls offer a compelling solution for harnessing natural light. However, traditional glass roofs and walls face challenges such as glare, privacy concerns, and overheating issues. In this study, we present a polymer-based micro-photonic multi-functional metamaterial. The metamaterial diffuses 73% of incident sunlight, creating a more comfortable and private indoor environment. The visible spectral transmittance of the metamaterial (95%) surpasses that of traditional glass (91%). Furthermore, the metamaterial is estimated to enhance photosynthesis efficiency by ~9% compared to glass roofs. With a high emissivity (~0.98) close to that of a mid-infrared black body, the metamaterial is estimated to have a cooling capacity of ~97 W/m2 at ambient temperature. The metamaterial was about 6 °C cooler than the ambient temperature in humid Karlsruhe. The metamaterial exhibits superhydrophobic performance with a contact angle of 152°, significantly higher than that of glass (26°), thus potentially having excellent self-cleaning properties.

Suggested Citation

  • Gan Huang & Ashok R. Yengannagari & Kishin Matsumori & Prit Patel & Anurag Datla & Karina Trindade & Enkhlen Amarsanaa & Tonghan Zhao & Uwe Köhler & Dmitry Busko & Bryce S. Richards, 2024. "Radiative cooling and indoor light management enabled by a transparent and self-cleaning polymer-based metamaterial," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-48150-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48150-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lyu Zhou & Haomin Song & Jianwei Liang & Matthew Singer & Ming Zhou & Edgars Stegenburgs & Nan Zhang & Chen Xu & Tien Ng & Zongfu Yu & Boon Ooi & Qiaoqiang Gan, 2019. "A polydimethylsiloxane-coated metal structure for all-day radiative cooling," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 2(8), pages 718-724, August.
    2. Gago, E.J. & Muneer, T. & Knez, M. & Köster, H., 2015. "Natural light controls and guides in buildings. Energy saving for electrical lighting, reduction of cooling load," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 1-13.
    3. Aaswath P. Raman & Marc Abou Anoma & Linxiao Zhu & Eden Rephaeli & Shanhui Fan, 2014. "Passive radiative cooling below ambient air temperature under direct sunlight," Nature, Nature, vol. 515(7528), pages 540-544, November.
    4. Zhao, Bin & Hu, Mingke & Ao, Xianze & Chen, Nuo & Pei, Gang, 2019. "Radiative cooling: A review of fundamentals, materials, applications, and prospects," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 236(C), pages 489-513.
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