Innovative Materials and Techniques for Sustainable Energy Solutions

Researchers from Cambridge University are developing a cellulose film with passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) properties that can help cool buildings and cars without using air conditioning units or other active, power-intensive methods. The plant-based, two-layered material gets cooler when exposed to direct sunlight and can be treated to provide bright, iridescent colors and a variety of textures. The bi-layered film with PDRC properties was nearly 7F cooler than the surrounding air when placed under direct sunlight.