Thermochromic Radiative Cooling Coatings with Robust Superhydrophobicity for Energy-Efficient Buildings
Ziqi Li , Akbar Bashir , Chak-Yin Tang , Gary Chi-Pong Tsui , Yan Chen , Jie Cui , Xing Ouyang , Chen Liu , Dazhu Chen
Energy & Environmental Materials ›› 2026, Vol. 9 ›› Issue (5) : e70278
The rising global demand for energy-efficient cooling highlights radiative cooling materials as a promising alternative to energy-intensive air conditioning. However, most existing systems suffer from fixed optical properties, limited adaptability, and poor durability. This work presents a multifunctional, color-adaptive radiative cooling coating that incorporates thermochromic microcapsules, hexagonal boron nitride, and hollow glass microspheres into a polydimethylsiloxane matrix via a scalable blending process. The coating exhibits a reversible thermochromic transition at ~45 °C, enabling dynamic spectral regulation that enhances solar reflection at elevated temperatures while suppressing overcooling at lower ones. Combined with broadband optical performance (solar reflectance of 91.7% and mid-infrared emissivity of 94.3%), the coating achieves an average sub-ambient cooling of 4.44 °C under outdoor conditions and a 6.7 °C reduction compared to commercial coatings in indoor simulation experiments. Beyond cooling efficiency, the micro/nano hierarchical surface imparts robust superhydrophobicity (contact angle >150°), self-cleaning capability, and long-term stability in corrosive, humid, and UV-rich environments. By synergistically integrating adaptive optical regulation, high-radiative cooling power, and durable surface protection, this work establishes a scalable strategy for next-generation smart coatings, paving practical pathways toward energy-saving buildings and sustainable thermal management technologies.
broadband solar reflectance / energy-efficient building materials / multifunctional radiative cooling / superhydrophobic coatings / thermochromic regulation
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2026 The Author(s). Energy & Environmental Materials published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Zhengzhou University.
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