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

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

07 May 2024 | Gan Huang, Ashok R. Yengannagari, Kishin Matsumori, Prit Patel, Anurag Datla, Karina Trindade, Enkhlen Amarsanaa, Tonghan Zhao, Uwe Köhler, Dmitry Busko & Bryce S. Richards
This study presents a polymer-based micro-photonic multi-functional metamaterial (PMMM) that addresses the challenges of traditional glass in transparent roofs and walls. The PMMM features micro-pyramid structures that diffuse 73% of incident sunlight, enhancing indoor lighting conditions and privacy. It also exhibits a visible spectral transmittance of 95%, surpassing traditional glass (91%). The metamaterial's high emissivity of 0.98 in the mid-infrared range enables passive radiative cooling, with a cooling capacity of approximately 97 W/m² at ambient temperature. Additionally, the PMMM demonstrates superhydrophobic properties with a contact angle of 152°, facilitating self-cleaning through rain or dew water. The material is constructed from commercially available and environmentally safe polymer materials, making it suitable for large-scale manufacturing and competitive with existing transparent roof and wall materials. The PMMM offers improved light management, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort, contributing to sustainable green building design.This study presents a polymer-based micro-photonic multi-functional metamaterial (PMMM) that addresses the challenges of traditional glass in transparent roofs and walls. The PMMM features micro-pyramid structures that diffuse 73% of incident sunlight, enhancing indoor lighting conditions and privacy. It also exhibits a visible spectral transmittance of 95%, surpassing traditional glass (91%). The metamaterial's high emissivity of 0.98 in the mid-infrared range enables passive radiative cooling, with a cooling capacity of approximately 97 W/m² at ambient temperature. Additionally, the PMMM demonstrates superhydrophobic properties with a contact angle of 152°, facilitating self-cleaning through rain or dew water. The material is constructed from commercially available and environmentally safe polymer materials, making it suitable for large-scale manufacturing and competitive with existing transparent roof and wall materials. The PMMM offers improved light management, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort, contributing to sustainable green building design.
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[slides and audio] Radiative cooling and indoor light management enabled by a transparent and self-cleaning polymer-based metamaterial