Chinese scientists develop sustainable cooling material for buildings construction to emit carbon footprint
Technology
Aerogel made of DNA and gelatin could reduce temperature by 16°C
(Web Desk) - Chinese scientists develop sustainable cooling material for building constructuion to emit carbon footprint
A research team from China has created a groundbreaking cooling material derived from biomass, offering a sustainable solution for combating heat in buildings.
This innovation comes at a critical time as the world grapples with rising temperatures and the need to reduce reliance on traditional cooling methods that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
The novel material, an aerogel made from DNA and gelatin, boasts exceptional cooling properties. It can bring down ambient temperatures by a staggering 16 degrees Celsius on sunny days, even under intense sunlight.
This feat is achieved by converting absorbed ultraviolet light into visible light, leading to over 100% solar reflectance.
The research, published in the prestigious journal Science, highlights the potential of this biopolymer-based solution for mitigating environmental pollution.
The aerogel is easily repairable, recyclable, and biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.
"This aerogel material has the potential to revolutionize the energy efficiency of buildings in urban areas," said Zhao Haibo, the corresponding author of the study from Sichuan University. He envisions the material being used as an outer protective layer for buildings.
Simulations conducted by the researchers indicate that widespread adoption of this technology could significantly reduce energy consumption for cooling purposes in cities around the world.
This translates to substantial cuts in carbon emissions, aligning with China's ambitious goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
