A Large-Scale Preparation Approach for Daytime Radiative Cooling Using SiO2 Hollow Microsphere Composite Film

Abstract

Radiative cooling is a passive cooling strategy that dissipates heat externally through the atmospheric window (8–13 μm). This study presents a radiative cooling film with a simple and cost-effective fabrication process. The film was fabricated by mixing SiO2 hollow microspheres with a UV-curable resin, employing a photopolymerization-induced phase separation method. The resulting gradient refractive index structure enhanced thermal radiation emissivity. At an optimal silica-to-resin mass ratio of 1:1.5 and a film thickness of 1.1 mm, the film achieved a solar reflectivity of 85% and an emissivity of 91% within the atmospheric window. Outdoor experiments conducted in both summer and winter demonstrated stable cooling performance. Under a solar irradiance of 796.9 W/m2 (summer), the film reduced surface temperature by 10 °C compared to ambient air and 20 °C compared to an uncoated glass substrate, achieving a radiative cooling power of 76.7 W/m2. In winter (solar irradiance of 588.8 W/m2), the film maintained a significant cooling effect, though with reduced efficiency due to lower solar exposure. Furthermore, long-term stability tests over six months showed that the film retained high solar reflectivity and infrared emissivity, indicating good durability. Overall, the developed radiative cooling films demonstrate excellent optical properties, structural stability, and cooling efficiency, making it a promising candidate for real-world radiative cooling applications. Further studies on environmental resilience and optimization under diverse climatic conditions are necessary for broader deployment.