PolyU Develops Cooling Ceramic with 99.6% Solar Reflectivity

Material Inspired by Whitest Beetle Shows Potential for Energy-Efficient Cooling and Commercial Applications

Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have developed a cooling ceramic material with a solar reflectivity of 99.6%.
The material was inspired by the biological structure of Cyphochilus, the whitest known beetle.
The cooling ceramic is engineered with a hierarchically porous structure, which allows for excellent daytime cooling performance and reduces energy consumption for indoor cooling.
The cooling ceramic also inhibits the Leidenfrost effect at temperatures above 800°C during the evaporative cooling process.
The material's high weather resistance, mechanical robustness, and favorable recyclability make it suitable for commercialization and long-term outdoor applications.