Receive a weekly summary and discussion of the top papers of the week by leading researchers in the field.

In Science advances

Recent advances in passive radiative cooling systems describe a variety of strategies to enhance cooling efficiency, while the integration of such technology with a bioinspired design using biodegradable materials can offer a research opportunity to generate energy in a sustainable manner, favorable for the temperature/climate system of the planet. Here, we introduce stretchable and ecoresorbable radiative cooling/heating systems engineered with zebra stripe-like patterns that enable the generation of a large in-plane temperature gradient for thermoelectric generation. A comprehensive study of materials with theoretical evaluations validates the ability to accomplish the target performances even under external mechanical strains, while all systems eventually disappear under physiological conditions. Use of the zebra print for selective radiative heating demonstrates an unexpected level of temperature difference compared to use of radiative cooling emitters alone, which enables producing energy through resorbable silicon-based thermoelectric devices. The overall result suggests the potential of scalable, ecofriendly renewable energy systems.

Han Won Bae, Heo Se-Yeon, Kim Donghak, Yang Seung Min, Ko Gwan-Jin, Lee Gil Ju, Kim Dong-Je, Rajaram Kaveti, Lee Joong Hoon, Shin Jeong-Woong, Jang Tae-Min, Han Sungkeun, Kang Heeseok, Lim Jun Hyeon, Kim Do Hyeon, Kim Soo Hyun, Song Young Min, Hwang Suk-Won

2023-Feb-03