Superhydrophobic Designs for Durable Radiative Cooling

Passive radiative cooling technology is an eco-friendly and energy-free alternative to conventional cooling systems. However, a major challenge in implementing radiative cooling in an outdoor environment is the presence of contamination, which significantly degrades the cooling effectiveness. In response to this challenge, researchers have explored superhydrophobic radiative coolers with self-cleaning abilities as a potential solution. In this Perspective, we summarize the latest progress and highlight certain design principles and strategies for integrating superhydrophobicity into radiative cooling structures. These strategies can be classified into three distinct categories: spraying particles, constructing pores, and creating patterns. Finally, we identify future challenges and opportunities in superhydrophobic radiative coolers, intending to push the technology toward practical applications.