Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • The ZIRM hybrid film achieves solar reflectance of ~95% and thermal emissivity of ~0.88 in the RC layer, while the absorption layer attains solar absorption of ~93% and thermal emissivity of ~0.37, enabling dual-mode radiative control with high spectral selectivity. • • Programmable RC/RH area ratio modulation yields a daytime temperature differential range from −4.3°C (cooling) to +12.1°C (heating), demonstrating broad climate adaptability for building envelopes. • • Annual energy consumption of ZIRM is 1.45×10^10 GJ, representing a 9.9% reduction compared to pure radiative cooling and a 2.7% reduction versus pure radiative heating systems, substantiating its energy-saving potential. • • The 'configuration-environment-performance' predictive model integrates material design with climate-specific optimization, offering a scalable framework for carbon-neutral building retrofits.
Abstract
Escalating global climate change has precipitated a dramatic surge in building cooling/heating energy demands, critically undermining urban sustainability. Although dynamic thermal management technologies show potential for reducing architectural carbon footprints, prevailing active regulation systems remain constrained by energy-intensive mode-switching mechanisms and unsustainable operational costs. Here, we develop a zebra-inspired radiative modulator (ZIRM) that achieves climate-customized building thermal management through spatially partitioned integration of radiative cooling (RC) and heating (RH) functional units. The material breakthrough resides in a hybrid thin-film architecture combining a cellulose acetate/Zeolitic imidazolate framework-L (ZIF-L) porous membrane (solar reflectance ~95%, thermal emissivity ~0.88) with an MXene/ZIF-67 derived carbon-based absorption layer (solar absorption ~93%, thermal emissivity ~0.37), resolving the opto-thermal coupling limitations inherent to conventional materials. Experimental verification demonstrates that programmable regulation of the RC/RH area ratio enables broad-range temperature differential control from −4.3 to 12.1 °C during daytime operation. Building energy simulations reveal ZIRM’s annual energy consumption of 1.45×10^10 GJ, corresponding to 9.9% and 2.7% reductions compared to pure RC and RH systems, respectively. The established “configuration-environment-performance” predictive model pioneers a paradigm-shifting solution for carbon-neutral architecture, synergizing material innovation with climate-customized engineering strategies.
1. Introduction
Building operations account for 30% of global final energy consumption and 26% of energy-related emissions, with space heating and cooling representing 48% of building energy demand. Projections indicate 79% and 83% growth in heating and cooling needs by 2050, driven by climate change and urbanization. Passive radiative cooling (RC) and radiative heating (RH) offer promising pathways by exploiting the atmospheric transparency window (8–13 μm) for deep-space heat rejection and solar spectrum absorption, respectively. However, conventional dual-mode systems rely on active switching mechanisms (electrical, mechanical, or chemical) that consume parasitic energy, or on temperature-responsive materials like VO2 that suffer from irreversible degradation during thermal cycling. These limitations hinder scalable deployment in dynamic climates.
The zebra-inspired radiative modulator (ZIRM) addresses these bottlenecks by spatially partitioning RC and RH functional units into a single hybrid thin film, eliminating the need for active switching. The RC layer, composed of cellulose acetate and ZIF-L porous membrane, achieves high solar reflectance (~95%) and thermal emissivity (~0.88), while the RH layer, based on MXene/ZIF-67 derived carbon, provides strong solar absorption (~93%) and low thermal emissivity (~0.37). By adjusting the area ratio of these units, ZIRM enables passive, climate-customized thermal management without external energy input, overcoming the opto-thermal coupling constraints of conventional materials. This design not only enhances durability but also offers a programmable solution for year-round energy savings in buildings.
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Hetian Lu, Yuxin Liu, Yanli Qi, Yufan Zhou, Zhangbin Yang, Huan Pang (2026). Zebra-inspired radiative modulator for climate-customized thermal management enabled by metal-organic framework. SCIENCE CHINA Materials. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-025-3663-6
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the long-term stability and degradation mechanisms of the ZIF-L and MXene/ZIF-67 derived layers under real-world environmental exposure (UV, humidity, thermal cycling)?
The paper does not provide explicit long-term stability data, but the use of cellulose acetate and ZIF-L suggests potential susceptibility to humidity and UV degradation. MXene layers are known to oxidize in humid conditions. Further encapsulation or surface passivation would be required for outdoor durability. The reported thermal emissivity and solar reflectance values are initial measurements; accelerated aging tests are necessary to validate operational lifetime.
How does the ZIRM's energy performance compare with existing commercial radiative cooling or heating films on a cost-per-square-meter basis, and what is the estimated payback period for building retrofits?
The paper reports annual energy consumption of 1.45×10^10 GJ for ZIRM, which is 9.9% lower than pure RC and 2.7% lower than pure RH. However, no cost analysis is provided. The use of cellulose acetate and ZIF-L may offer cost advantages over vacuum-deposited photonic structures, but scale-up costs for MOF synthesis and MXene production remain uncertain. A detailed techno-economic assessment is needed to determine payback periods.
What is the maximum achievable temperature differential between the RC and RH modes, and how does the area ratio precisely control the transition?
The experimental temperature differential ranges from −4.3°C (cooling) to +12.1°C (heating) during daytime operation. The RC/RH area ratio is programmable, allowing continuous tuning of the effective radiative properties. The predictive model correlates configuration (area ratio) with environmental conditions to achieve desired thermal outcomes, but the exact relationship is not fully disclosed in the abstract.
How does the ZIRM perform under varying solar angles and diffuse radiation conditions, and what is the angular dependence of its radiative properties?
The paper does not specify angular performance. Radiative cooling and heating layers typically exhibit angle-dependent emissivity/absorptivity. For building applications, which receive radiation from multiple angles, hemispherical performance is critical. The reported values (~95% reflectance, ~93% absorptance) are likely near-normal incidence; off-normal performance could degrade. Further characterization under realistic solar geometries is required.
What is the scalability of the fabrication process for ZIRM, and can it be integrated into existing building envelope manufacturing lines?
The fabrication involves solution-based processes for cellulose acetate/ZIF-L membranes and MXene/ZIF-67 derived carbon layers, which are amenable to roll-to-roll processing. However, the synthesis of ZIF-L and MXene requires controlled conditions and may involve hazardous chemicals. Scale-up to industrial production would require optimization of coating uniformity and adhesion to substrates. The paper does not provide details on film thickness or mechanical flexibility, which are critical for integration into building materials.
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