# CSIC development of passive cooling nanomaterial

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/csic-development-of-passive-cooling-nanomaterial
> Updated: 2026-09-18T21:53:20.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Researchers at the Institute of Micro and Nanotechnology (IMN-CNM), part of Spain’s CSIC, have developed a new nanomaterial designed for passive radiative cooling (PDRC). The material is engineered to cool surfaces without electricity by reflecting sunlight and emitting heat through the atmospheric transparency window—an infrared radiation range between 8 and 13 micrometers—allowing heat to escape into space.

Initial reports indicate the material uses UV-treated PVDF plastic to increase whiteness and sunlight reflection, capable of cooling surfaces by up to 12.9 degrees Celsius. This innovation aims to address rising global electricity demand for air conditioning and refrigeration, which accounts for nearly one-fifth of the world’s electricity usage.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-18: CSIC researchers develop nanomaterial for passive cooling

CSIC researchers have developed a nanomaterial that enables passive daytime radiative cooling, potentially reducing global electricity consumption used for refrigeration.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/csic-researchers-develop-nanomaterial-for-passive-cooling

### 2026-08-27: Spanish researchers develop nanomaterial for electricity-free cooling

Spanish scientists have developed a PVDF-based nanomaterial that uses passive radiative cooling to lower surface temperatures by nearly 13 degrees Celsius without electricity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-researchers-develop-nanomaterial-for-electricity-free-cooling

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Cite as: CSIC development of passive cooling nanomaterial. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/csic-development-of-passive-cooling-nanomaterial