Beyond the static: dynamic radiative cooling materials and applications

The urgent need for sustainable cooling solutions has propelled the development of passive radiative cooling (RC) technology. However, the static nature of traditional RC (SRC) designs limits their adaptability to varying thermal demands. Dynamic RC (DRC) materials and systems have emerged as a cutting-edge solution, enabling cooling performance modulation in response to the changing environment. This review provides an overview of the latest advancements in DRC research and explores the innovative material and structural designs of various DRC systems, highlighting their immense potential for enhancing thermal management in building- and city-related applications. The incorporation of SRC and DRC into various systems is discussed, such as building envelopes, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and cooling systems, and evaporative cooling. The application of SRC and DRC materials at the urban scale is explored, focusing on their widespread implementation on roofs, walls, and pavements to reduce surface and ambient temperatures and mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Looking ahead, the key challenges and opportunities for the next generation of DRC research are defined. Overall, this review serves as a roadmap for pushing the boundaries of sustainable cooling technology and reshaping the material and system development for the future built environment.