A Solution-Processed Inorganic Emitter with High Spectral Selectivity for Efficient Subambient Radiative Cooling in Hot Humid Climates

Abstract

<p>Daytime radiative cooling provides an eco-friendly solution to space cooling with zero energy consumption. Despite significant advances, most state-of-the-art radiative coolers show broadband infrared emission with low spectral selectivity, which limits their cooling temperatures, especially in hot humid regions. Here, an all-inorganic narrowband emitter comprising a solution-derived SiO_xN_y layer sandwiched between a reflective substrate and a self-assembly monolayer of SiO₂ microspheres is reported. It shows a high and diffusive solar reflectance (96.4%) and strong infrared-selective emittance (94.6%) with superior spectral selectivity (1.46). Remarkable subambient cooling of up to 5 °C in autumn and 2.5 °C in summer are achieved under high humidity without any solar shading or convection cover at noontime in a subtropical coastal city, Hong Kong. Owing to the all-inorganic hydrophobic structure, the emitter shows outstanding resistance to ultraviolet and water in long-term durability tests. The scalable-solution-based fabrication renders this stable high-performance emitter promising for large-scale deployment in various climates.<br></p>