Photonic film using common, flexible materials that are mechanically strong and can be manufactured on a large scale can passively cools

It doesn't take up energy like the systems we use to keep temperatures down in our cars and buildings. The film reduced temperatures of items in direct sunlight by as much as 5.1 degrees Celsius, more than 9 degrees Fahrenheit. The film is made of PDMS, a flexible, widely used polymer, along with some high throughput ceramic particles. Because of the common materials used and the simple process for manufacturing the film, known as micro-stamping.

The film, which would work as a coating on top of objects, could have a wide array of uses. It could be put on top of windows in office and apartment buildings to reflect sunlight and keep energy bills down. It could protect solar panels from being degraded by constant sunlight exposure. It could be wrapped around cars to keep them cool while parked. And it could be a key ingredient in novel cooling fabrics, wearables and personal electronics.

The findings were published today in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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