• Spectrally selective daytime radiative cooling (SSDRC) materials achieve superior cooling performance by emitting predominantly within the atmospheric transmission window while suppressing non-ATW thermal radiation absorption.
• The review systematically categorizes SSDRC materials into fibrous materials, membranes, and particle coatings, detailing their fabrication principles and operational mechanisms.
• SSDRC materials demonstrate significant potential in personal thermal management, outdoor building cooling, and energy harvesting, offering eco-friendly and passive cooling solutions.
• Future development of SSDRC materials faces challenges such as scalability, durability, and cost-effectiveness, which must be addressed for widespread practical implementation.