Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• This review comprehensively summarizes the current state-of-the-art in dynamic radiative thermal management technology. • In-depth discussion of the basic principles of dynamic radiative thermal management technology, design strategies, and a list of related applications are presented. • An in-depth look at the challenges facing dynamic radiative thermal management technology, providing potential solutions for the future direction of the field. • Dynamic radiative thermal management offers a promising solution for energy-efficient adaptation across seasonal variations, promoting renewable energy integration.
Abstract
Rapid population growth in recent decades has intensified both the global energy crisis and the challenges posed by climate change, including global warming. Currently, the increased frequency of extreme weather events and large fluctuations in ambient temperature disrupt thermal comfort and negatively impact health, driving a growing dependence on cooling and heating energy sources. Consequently, efficient thermal management has become a central focus of energy research. Traditional thermal management systems consume substantial energy, further contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, emergent radiant thermal management technologies that rely on renewable energy have been proposed as sustainable alternatives. However, achieving year-round thermal management without additional energy input remains a formidable challenge. Recently, dynamic radiative thermal management technologies have emerged as the most promising solution, offering the potential for energy-efficient adaptation across seasonal variations. This review systematically presents recent advancements in dynamic radiative thermal management, covering fundamental principles, switching mechanisms, primary materials, and application areas. Additionally, the key challenges hindering the broader adoption of dynamic radiative thermal management technologies are discussed. By highlighting their transformative potential, this review provides insights into the design and industrial scalability of these innovations, with the ultimate aim of promoting renewable energy integration in thermal management applications.
1. Introduction
Since the Industrial Revolution, increases in global manufacturing capacity and living standards have driven a rapid rise in energy consumption, compounded by significant population growth. This increased energy demand has resulted in two of the most critical challenges of the twenty-first century: the global energy crisis and climate change [1–5]. Climate change has led to frequent extreme weather events and large fluctuations in ambient temperature, thereby disrupting thermal comfort and causing significant risks to public health [6–8].
To manage the complexity and variability of weather conditions, people have started to increasingly rely on conventional heating and cooling systems to maintain thermal comfort. However, these systems are typically powered by electricity, leading to substantial energy consumption and significant carbon dioxide emissions [9–14] (Fig. 1a). According to relevant statistics, heating and cooling account for approximately half of global energy consumption, with projected increases of 79% and 83%, respectively, over the next 30 years [15–17]. Furthermore, the economic impact of heating and cooling is expected to reach 2.5% of global GDP by 2030, and climate change is estimated to contribute to approximately 400,000 deaths annually [18, 19] (Fig. 1b). Therefore, there is an urgent need for clean, energy-efficient technologies that can support comfortable and productive living environments, with environmentally friendly radiative thermal management technologies presenting as a promising approach to address these critical challenges [20].
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Long Xie, Xuechuan Wang, Yageng Bai, Xiaoliang Zou, Xinhua Liu (2025). Fast-Developing Dynamic Radiative Thermal Management: Full-Scale Fundamentals, Switching Methods, Applications, and Challenges. Nano-Micro Letters. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-025-01676-6
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is dynamic radiative thermal management?
Dynamic radiative thermal management refers to technologies that can adaptively control thermal radiation properties (such as emissivity and reflectivity) in response to changing environmental conditions, enabling energy-efficient heating and cooling without external energy input.
Why is dynamic radiative thermal management important?
It addresses the urgent need for sustainable thermal management solutions by reducing reliance on conventional heating and cooling systems, which consume significant energy and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. It offers a pathway to year-round thermal comfort with minimal energy use.
What are the key applications of dynamic radiative thermal management?
Applications include smart building envelopes, personal thermal management textiles, vehicle thermal regulation, and other systems requiring adaptive temperature control to enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
What are the main challenges in dynamic radiative thermal management?
Challenges include achieving fast and reversible switching of radiative properties, maintaining durability and scalability of materials, integrating with existing infrastructure, and ensuring cost-effectiveness for widespread adoption.
How does dynamic radiative thermal management contribute to renewable energy integration?
By utilizing the Sun and outer space as natural heat and cold sources, these technologies reduce dependence on fossil-fuel-based energy, thereby promoting the use of renewable energy in thermal management applications.
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