Recent Research Progress in Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling Technology in Terms of Material Structure and Practical Application

ABSTRACT As global warming becomes increasingly serious and the energy crisis intensifies, traditional refrigeration technologies release large amounts of heat and greenhouse gases during operation, further exacerbating environmental issues. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop low‐energy, low‐carbon emission refrigeration technologies. Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling (PDRC) technology is a zero‐energy approach that dissipates heat through the “atmospheric transparency window” into outer space via the thermal radiation of materials. It can also reflect solar radiation in the 0.3–2.5 μm wavelength range, achieving a cooling effect without consuming energy. Owing to its energy‐conserving and eco‐friendly nature, this technology has garnered significant attention and holds promising application prospects. In recent years, PDRC technology has seen significant development in several important areas, particularly in enhancing cooling capacity. However, despite a deeper understanding of the cooling mechanism, PDRC still faces challenges in terms of durability and potential functionalization. The paper reviews the fundamental principles of PDRC technology, highlights the latest research findings on material and structural design methods, and outlines recent application advancements. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the challenges faced by PDRC, aiming to provide valuable insights for its future development and potential applications in other specialties.