Ultrahigh Passive Cooling Power in Hydrogel with Rationally Designed Optofluidic Properties

Jipeng Fei, Di Han, Xuan Zhang, Ke Li, Nicolas Lavielle, Kai Zhou, Xingli Wang, Jun Yan Tan, Jianwei Zhong, Man Pun Wan, Elyes Nefzaoui, Tarik Bourouina, Shuzhou Li, Bing Feng Ng, Lili Cai, Hong Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The cooling power of a radiative cooler is more than halved in the tropics, e.g., Singapore, because of its harsh weather conditions including high humidity (84% on average), strong downward atmospheric radiation (∼40% higher than elsewhere), abundant rainfall, and intense solar radiation (up to 1200 W/m2 with ∼58% higher UV irradiation). So far, there has been no report of daytime radiative cooling that well achieves effective subambient cooling. Herein, through integrated passive cooling strategies in a hydrogel with desirable optofluidic properties, we demonstrate stable subambient (4-8 °C) cooling even under the strongest solar radiation in Singapore. The integrated passive cooler achieves an ultrahigh cooling power of ∼350 W/m2, 6-10 times higher than a radiative cooler in a tropical climate. An in situ study of radiative cooling with various hydration levels and ambient humidity is conducted to understand the interaction between radiation and evaporative cooling. This work provides insights for the design of an integrated cooler for various climates.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)623-631
Number of pages9
JournalNano letters
Volume24
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 17 2024

Keywords

  • hydrogel
  • integrated cooling structure
  • optofluidic design
  • passive cooling
  • radiative cooling

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • General Chemistry
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanical Engineering

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