Spanish researchers develop nanomaterial for electricity-free cooling

Researchers at the Instituto de Micro y Nanotecnología, part of Spain’s CSIC, have developed a new nanomaterial capable of cooling surfaces by up to 12.9 degrees Celsius without using electricity. The material utilizes a process known as passive radiative cooling (PDRC), which allows surfaces to emit heat as radiation, potentially keeping them cooler than the surrounding air.

The innovation involves using a PVDF plastic that has been treated with ultraviolet light to increase its whiteness, significantly enhancing its ability to reflect sunlight. This development comes as Spain faces increasingly extreme summer conditions characterized by rising temperatures, longer heatwaves, and more frequent tropical nights due to global warming.

As global electricity demand for air conditioning rises, this durable material offers a potential energy-efficient solution for cooling buildings and surfaces in sunny, dry environments.