In a groundbreaking development, Dr. Jin Gu, Kang and his team at the Nanophotonics Research Center at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have created a vibrant radiation-cooling liquid crystal material that not only cools without the need for external power but also emits color. This innovative work has been documented in the Chemical Engineering Journal.
Radiative cooling is a cutting-edge cooling technology that operates without the use of power by releasing infrared radiation as heat through the atmospheric window, thereby reducing temperatures. It is gaining attention as an environmentally friendly cooling solution that can potentially supplement energy-intensive air conditioners. Traditional radiative cooling materials used during the day are typically white to minimize solar absorption and maximize cooling efficiency. However, these materials are limited in their applications, particularly in buildings and vehicles that prioritize aesthetics due to their single-color appearance.
To address the limitations of existing radiative cooling materials, Dr. Jin Gu Kang’s team devised a new approach by developing colored radiative cooling materials that offer both effective cooling and aesthetic appeal. Unlike previous materials that relied on light absorption to create color, the team utilized bent spiral liquid crystal photonic crystals to achieve vivid and distinct colors. By aligning the liquid crystals into a spiral structure, they were able to form colored photonic crystals that exhibited a wide range of colors, unlike conventional photonic crystals that varied in color based on the viewing angle.
Performance and Applications
Through a combination of the colored radiation-cooling liquid crystal material with upper transparent and lower metallic thin films, the research team achieved a remarkable temperature reduction of approximately 30.8°C compared to conventional colored paint and 3.1°C lower than the surrounding ambient air in the middle of the day. This material holds great potential for reducing the energy consumption of air conditioners on building exteriors and vehicles where aesthetics play a significant role. Additionally, it can be utilized for outdoor leisure equipment and military tents to provide efficient and power-free cooling.
The development of this colored radiation-cooling liquid crystal material marks a significant advancement in the field of cooling technology. Not only does it offer a practical solution for reducing energy consumption, but it also enhances the visual appeal of cooling materials. Dr. Jin Gu Kang and his team’s innovative creation holds promise for a wide range of applications and paves the way for a more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing future in the realm of cooling technology.
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