A radiative cooling structural material
Abstract
Reducing human reliance on energy-inefficient cooling methods such as air conditioning would have a large impact on the global energy landscape. By a process of complete delignification and densification of wood, we developed a structural material with a mechanical strength of 404.3 megapascals, more than eight times that of natural wood. The cellulose nanofibers in our engineered material backscatter solar radiation and emit strongly in mid-infrared wavelengths, resulting in continuous subambient cooling during both day and night. We model the potential impact of our cooling wood and find energy savings between 20 and 60%, which is most pronounced in hot and dry climates.
- Publication:
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Science
- Pub Date:
- May 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.aau9101
- Bibcode:
- 2019Sci...364..760L
- Keywords:
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- ENGINEERING; MAT SCI