In response to the urgent need for energy-efficient cooling solutions amidst global warming, Chinese researchers have developed a groundbreaking aerogel material derived from biomass and DNA. This innovative material demonstrates exceptional capabilities in reducing ambient temperatures, crucial for lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The aerogel, crafted from a combination of DNA and gelatin in a structured layered form, exhibits remarkable radiative cooling properties. It can reduce ambient temperatures by up to 16 degrees Celsius on sunny days by converting absorbed ultraviolet light into visible light, achieving over 100 percent solar reflectance.
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Published in the journal Science, the study highlights that these biopolymer-based aerogels not only enhance environmental sustainability but also offer practical advantages such as ease of fabrication on a large scale through water welding. Importantly, they are highly repairable, recyclable, and biodegradable, contributing significantly to mitigating environmental pollution.
Zhao Haibo, corresponding author from Sichuan University, emphasized the potential of these aerogels as outer protective layers in urban architecture, significantly improving the energy efficiency of buildings. Simulation models predict substantial reductions in annual energy expenditures for cooling across diverse urban settings.
The development aligns with China’s ambitious climate goals, including peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. The novel aerogel material not only promises to advance sustainable building technologies but also sets a precedent for future innovations in radiative cooling materials.
