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Hierarchically porous polyurethane membrane enables passive daytime radiative cooling
Inspired by nature, researchers have developed a durable porous polyurethane membrane that achieves high solar reflectance and thermal emissivity, enabling efficient passive cooling. The material demonstrates robust durability and versatile applications in thermal management systems.
Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) is emerging as a sustainable solution for thermal management, allowing heat dissipation to outer space while reducing solar absorption. This study introduces a hierarchically porous polyurethane (PU) membrane inspired by the natural structure of white fungus, fabricated through a non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) process combined with solvent evaporation. By incorporating hydrophobic silica nanoparticles and a pore-forming agent, the membrane achieves remarkable solar reflectance of 95.7 % and thermal emissivity of 94.5 %, delivering a maximum temperature reduction of 5.95 °C during outdoor testing.
The membrane exhibits significant durability, maintaining its performance after exposure to friction, acid–alkali conditions and UV radiation. Hydrophobic modifications further enhance its self-cleaning properties, making it ideal for long-term applications.
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Versatile applications in energy-efficient cooling
When integrated with textiles, the PU membrane forms hierarchically porous fabrics that retain their cooling properties under harsh environmental conditions. This innovative material holds substantial potential for personal thermal management, energy-efficient building cooling and electronic device temperature regulation. The presented research highlights how bio-inspired design can unlock new possibilities in advanced coatings and membranes, addressing global challenges in energy efficiency and sustainability.
Quelle: He, Y. et al., Durable hierarchically porous polyurethane membrane for efficient passive daytime radiative cooling. Progress in Organic Coatings, 109891 (2025).
