Synergistic Modulation of Solar‐Thermal Radiation: Principles, Methodologies, and Applications

ABSTRACT The increasing consumption of energy and the resulting increase in carbon dioxide emissions are contributing to the exacerbation of both the global energy crisis and the climate crisis of global warming. Radiative cooling (RC) and Solar Heating (SH) are energy‐free cooling/heating technologies that have emerged as the focus of research. However, a single RC or SH technology leads to issues of overcooling in winter or overheating in summer, which restrict its all‐season applications. To address this limitation, solar‐thermal radiation synergistic modulation technology (STRSMT) with RC/SH dual‐mode reversible switching capability is proposed as a sustainable alternative. In recent years, a considerable amount of research has been dedicated to the development of synergistic modulation strategies. This review discusses the fundamental concepts, structures, switching mechanisms, and applications of the solar‐thermal radiation synergistic modulation technology. It systematically elaborates on the three primary categories of STRSMT: single active switching technology, encompassing electrochromic, mechanochromic, and wetting‐chromic approaches; single passive switching technology, i.e., thermochromic approaches; and combinations of multiple approaches. Furthermore, we discuss in detail the potential future application directions, possible challenges, and corresponding coping strategies, with the aim of offering a roadmap for future solar‐thermal radiation synergistic modulation technology.