Research Progress on Temperature‐Adaptive Radiative Cooling Materials

Abstract

Passive radiative cooling is an energy‐saving and environmentally friendly cooling technology that dissipates heat to outer space through the atmospheric transparency window without external energy input. However, conventional static radiative coolers may cause overcooling in cold environments or at night. In this review, recent advances in VO 2 ‐based materials, thermochromic hydrogels, perovskites, chalcogenide phase‐change materials, and organic thermochromic systems are summarized, with emphasis on modulation mechanisms, micro/nanostructural design, cooling/heating performance, engineering stability, and application scenarios. The fundamental principles of passive radiative cooling and dynamic spectral modulation are introduced. Representative material systems are then discussed comparatively, and their advantages, limitations, and development prospects are critically analyzed. Future research is suggested to focus on advanced micro/nanostructural design, synergistic material integration, scalable fabrication, and the combination of multidisciplinary theoretical and simulation approaches. Besides, attention should be paid to the balance of solar and infrared regulation, scalable fabrication, cycling durability, environmental robustness, and system‐level integration of buildings, textiles, vehicles, and spacecraft in order to reduce global energy consumption.