A new material could someday keep buildings, cars and other structures cool without requiring external power. The plant-based film gets cooler when exposed to sunlight and comes in a variety of textures and bright, iridescent colors. A square meter of the film generated over 120 Watts of cooling power, rivaling many types of residential air conditioners. The materials can also be used as sensors to detect environmental pollutants or weather changes.
www.acs.org/pressroom/newsreleases/2023/march/colorful-films-could-help-buildings-cars-keep-their-cool.html