Flexible Passive Daytime Radiative Cooling Aerogel with Outstanding Amphiphobic Monolith Properties

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), renowned for its exceptional spectral properties and aging resistance, has emerged as a prominent material for passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC). However, the incorporation of PVDF into pass daytime radiative cooling aerogel (PDRCA) to achieve superior spectral properties and low thermal conductivity has received limited attention. This study developed a flexible PDRCA, named MPA, utilizing fluorinated PVDF and melamine foam (MF) to address issues of shrinkage, collapse, and brittleness encountered in pure fluorinated PVDF aerogel (PA). Moreover, the MPA demonstrated exceptional spectral properties with an average reflectivity of 97.67% and average emissivity of 99.68%, along with superhydrophobic and notably oleophobic monolith properties. Furthermore, the presence of numerous internal pores within the MPA contributed to its low thermal conductivity, thereby minimizing the parasitic heat gain. Meanwhile, the MPA also exhibited a degree of breathability and environmental resistance. Therefore, this research provides a substantial strategy for developing flexible PDRCA with outstanding amphiphobic monolith properties.