A King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) research team has achieved a milestone by developing a superabsorbent polymer film that harnesses solar energy and moisture to provide cooling solutions.
Amidst the growing impact of climate change and the surging demand for energy-consuming air conditioners, this solution can help reduce heat stress, carbon emissions and electricity consumption.
The KAUST team came up with a solution that combines radiative and evaporative cooling, eliminating the need for extra chemicals or energy. This offers passive cooling as an eco-friendly alternative to air conditioning.
Evaporative cooling leverages water vaporization to decrease temperatures, while radiative cooling releases thermal energy through high thermal emissivity materials and reflects sunlight.
This approach utilizes sodium polyacrylate, a superabsorbent polymer commonly found in products like diapers. The polymer powder absorbs ambient moisture, forming a reflective white film that prevents solar heating. It utilizes thermal emissivity for radiative cooling and can also absorb and release moisture for evaporative cooling.
The study found that the film temperatures could be lowered by nine degrees Fahrenheit (five degrees Celsius) without electricity under partly cloudy skies. The advantages of this film include reducing reliance on air conditioners, leading to substantial reductions in carbon emissions, lower electricity bills, and enhanced economic feasibility.
KAUST researchers continue to improve this film, facilitate its production, and develop faster and cheaper manufacturing methods, to apply this cooling technology to the roofs of buildings, solar panels, light-emitting diodes and batteries.
According to KAUST, this has the potential to revolutionize cooling solutions, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional air conditioners. It has the capacity to pave the way for a cooler and environment-friendly future.
