A Perspective on Radiative Cooling Paints: Bridging the Gap Between Optical Optimization and Practical Application

The escalating global heatwave crisis demands urgent advancements in high-efficiency, energy-saving cooling technologies. Radiative cooling (RC) paints, capable of passively dissipating heat through the atmospheric transparent window (ATW, 8–13 μm) without external energy input, have emerged as a groundbreaking solution for sustainable thermal management. This perspective advocates for a paradigm shift in the field from solely focusing on optical performance optimization to comprehensive system design that simultaneously achieves high cooling power, industrial-scale manufacturability, long-term environmental durability, and customizable aesthetics. We systematically analyzed the fundamental design principles of RC paints, reviewed the construction strategy of the state-of-the-art RC paints, advanced multi-band spectral engineering, synergistic integration with complementary cooling technologies, and robust structural configurations for large-scale deployment. Addressing critical challenges for commercialization, we also proposed targeted solutions, including enhanced application-specific durability, cost-effective production scaling, and multifunctional system integration. This work provides a strategic roadmap to accelerate the transition of RC paints from laboratory prototypes to ubiquitous real-world applications, ultimately contributing to a sustainable future with improved thermal comfort.