Radiative cooling drives the integration and application of thermal management in flexible electronic devices
Source abstract
Abstract
Flexible electronics advancement intensifies thermal management needs. Radiative cooling shows promise but faces implementation challenges. Integration into diverse flexible electronics demands application-specific materials and processes. A comprehensive review systematically analyzing these strategies is lacking. This work examines both technologies’ historical development, synthesizes radiative cooling implementation strategies across electronic systems, and critically evaluates persistent challenges. It aims to provide actionable guidance for advancing practical applications.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Thermal Radiation and Cooling Technologies · Thermal properties of materials · Optical properties and cooling technologies in crystalline materials
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
References (100+)
Show source-provided references
1. Gao, W., Ota, H., Kiriya, D., Takei, K. & Javey, A. Flexible electronics toward wearable sensing. Acc. Chem. Res. 52, 523–533 (2019).10.1021/acs.accounts.8b00500 ↗
2. Ling, H., Liu, S., Zheng, Z. & Yan, F. Organic flexible electronics. Small Methods 2, 1800070 (2018).10.1002/smtd.201800070 ↗
3. Liu, Y., He, K., Chen, G., Leow, W. R. & Chen, X. Nature-inspired structural materials for flexible electronic devices. Chem. Rev. 117, 12893–12941 (2017).10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00291 ↗
4. Kim, M. et al. Visibly transparent radiative cooler under direct sunlight. Adv. Opt. Mater. 9, 2002226 (2021).10.1002/adom.202002226 ↗
5. Jiang, S. et al. Flexible metamaterial electronics. Adv. Mater. 34, e2200070 (2022).10.1002/adma.202200070 ↗
6. Kim, M. S. et al. Beyond flexible: unveiling the next era of flexible electronic systems. Adv. Mater. 36, e2406424 (2024).10.1002/adma.202406424 ↗
7. Chen, H. et al. A new route to fabricate flexible, breathable composites with advanced thermal management capability for wearable electronics. npj Flex. Electron. 7, 24 (2023).10.1038/s41528-023-00257-0 ↗
8. Yun, J. et al. Optimally designed multimaterial microparticle–polymer composite paints for passive daytime radiative cooling. ACS Photonics 10, 2608–2617 (2023).10.1021/acsphotonics.3c00339 ↗
9. So, S. et al. Radiative cooling for energy sustainability: from fundamentals to fabrication methods toward commercialization. Adv. Sci. 11, e2305067 (2024).10.1002/advs.202305067 ↗
10. Park, J. et al. Flexible self-cleaning janus emitter for transparent radiative cooling in enclosed spaces. Small 21, e2501840 (2025).10.1002/smll.202501840 ↗
11. Song, J., Shen, Q., Shao, H. & Deng, X. Anti‐environmental aging passive daytime radiative cooling. Adv. Sci. 11, 2305664 (2023).10.1002/advs.202305664 ↗
12. Huang, M.-C. et al. Scalable multifunctional radiative cooling materials. Prog. Mater. Sci. 137, 101144 (2023).10.1016/j.pmatsci.2023.101144 ↗
13. Raman, A. P., Anoma, M. A., Zhu, L., Rephaeli, E. & Fan, S. Passive radiative cooling below ambient air temperature under direct sunlight. Nature 515, 540–544 (2014).10.1038/nature13883 ↗
14. Lin, C. et al. Pushing radiative cooling technology to real applications. Adv. Mater. 1, e2409738 (2024).
15. Wang, T. et al. Colored radiative cooling: from photonic approaches to fluorescent colors and beyond. Adv. Mater. 37, e2414300 (2025).10.1002/adma.202414300 ↗
16. Wang, K.-N. et al. The applications of flexible electronics in dental, oral, and craniofacial medicine. npj Flex. Electron. 8, 33 (2024).10.1038/s41528-024-00318-y ↗
17. Heng, W., Solomon, S. & Gao, W. Flexible electronics and devices as human–machine interfaces for medical robotics. Adv. Mater. 34, 2107902 (2022).10.1002/adma.202107902 ↗
18. Chen, C. et al. Manipulating Hetero‐Nanowire films for flexible and multifunctional thermoelectric devices. Adv. Mater. 36, 2400020 (2024).10.1002/adma.202400020 ↗
19. Bernard, T. E. & Foley, M. F. Upper acceptable surface temperature for prolonged hand contact. Int. J. Ind. Ergon. 11, 29–36 (1993).10.1016/0169-8141(93)90052-F ↗
20. Li, J. et al. Flexible bridged thermoelectric device with an optimized heatsink for personal thermal management. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 16, 64042–64049 (2024).10.1021/acsami.4c15199 ↗
21. Xia, W. et al. Nano-hybridized form-stable ester@F-SiO2 phase change materials for melt-spun PA6 fibers engineered towards smart thermal management fabrics. Chem. Eng. J. 403, 126369 (2021).10.1016/j.cej.2020.126369 ↗
22. Catalanotti, S. et al. The radiative cooling of selective surfaces. Sol. Energy 17, 83–89 (1975).10.1016/0038-092X(75)90062-6 ↗
23. Hsu, P.-C. et al. Radiative human body cooling by nanoporous polyethylene textile. Science 353, 1019–1023 (2016).10.1126/science.aaf5471 ↗
24. Zhai, Y. et al. Scalable-manufactured randomized glass-polymer hybrid metamaterial for daytime radiative cooling. Science 355, 1062–1066 (2017).10.1126/science.aai7899 ↗
25. Wang, X. et al. Scalable flexible hybrid membranes with photonic structures for daytime radiative cooling. Adv. Funct. Mater. 30, 1907562 (2019).10.1002/adfm.201907562 ↗
26. Aili, A. et al. Selection of polymers with functional groups for daytime radiative cooling. Mater. Today Phys. 10, 100127 (2019).10.1016/j.mtphys.2019.100127 ↗
27. Zeng, S. et al. Hierarchical-morphology metafabric for scalable passive daytime radiative cooling. Science 373, 692–696 (2021).10.1126/science.abi5484 ↗
28. Sheng, S.-Z. et al. Nanowire-based smart windows combining electro- and thermochromics for dynamic regulation of solar radiation. Nat. Commun. 14, 3231 (2023).10.1038/s41467-023-38353-4 ↗
29. Liu, Y. et al. Passive radiative cooling enables improved performance in wearable thermoelectric generators. Small 18, 2106875 (2022).10.1002/smll.202106875 ↗
30. Huang, X., Mandal, J., Xu, J. & Raman, A. P. Passive freezing desalination driven by radiative cooling. Joule 6, 2762–2775 (2022).10.1016/j.joule.2022.10.009 ↗
31. Li, X. et al. Recyclable bead chain structure of Ta2O5/TPU fiber films for energy harvesting and passive daytime radiative cooling. ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng. 12, 17167–17176 (2024).10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c05757 ↗
32. Kim, H. et al. Outdoor worker stress monitoring electronics with nanofabric radiative cooler‐based thermal management. Adv. Healthcare Mater. 12, 2301104 (2023).10.1002/adhm.202301104 ↗
33. Lee, K. W., Yi, J., Kim, M. K. & Kim, D. R. Transparent radiative cooling cover window for flexible and foldable electronic displays. Nat. Commun. 15, 4443 (2024).10.1038/s41467-024-48840-x ↗
34. Fang, H. et al. Radiative cooling for vertical solar panels. iScience 27, 108806 (2024).10.1016/j.isci.2024.108806 ↗
35. Ahmad, S. et al. Lubricated surface in a vertical double-sided architecture for radiative cooling and atmospheric water harvesting. Adv. Mater. 36, e2404037 (2024).10.1002/adma.202404037 ↗
36. Planck, M. Ueber das Gesetz der Energieverteilung im Normalspectrum. Ann. der Phys. 309, 553–563 (2006).10.1002/andp.19013090310 ↗
37. Chen, S., Liang, Z., Dong, P., Guo, S. & Li, M. A transferable turbidity estimation method for estimating clear-sky solar irradiance. Renew. Energy 206, 635–644 (2023).10.1016/j.renene.2023.02.096 ↗
38. Yoo, M. J. et al. Switchable radiative cooling and solar heating for sustainable thermal management. Nanophotonics 13, 543–561 (2024).10.1515/nanoph-2023-0627 ↗
39. Drake, R. M. & Gordon, J. E. Mie scattering. Am. J. Phys. 53, 955–962 (1985).10.1119/1.14011 ↗
40. Yue, Q. et al. Polymer composites with hierarchical architecture and dielectric particles for efficient daytime subambient radiative cooling. J. Mater. Chem. A 11, 3126–3135 (2023).10.1039/D2TA07453B ↗
41. Zhao, X. & Tang, G. H. 0D/2D co-doping network enhancing thermal conductivity of radiative cooling film for electronic device thermal management. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 16, 37853–37864 (2024).10.1021/acsami.4c04222 ↗
42. Dong, J. et al. Superelastic radiative cooling metafabric for comfortable epidermal electrophysiological monitoring. Nano-Micro Lett. 15, 181 (2023).10.1007/s40820-023-01156-9 ↗
43. Lv, S. et al. A simple micro/nano‐porous structure with day‐night dynamic thermal control and high thermal conductivity for enhanced thermoelectric power generation. Adv. Mater. Technol. 1, 2401723 (2025).10.1002/admt.202401723 ↗
44. Yu, L. et al. All-day continuous electrical power generator by solar heating and radiative cooling from the sky. Appl. Energy 322, 119403 (2022).10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.119403 ↗
45. Kishore, R. A., Nozariasbmarz, A., Poudel, B., Sanghadasa, M. & Priya, S. Ultra-high performance wearable thermoelectric coolers with less materials. Nat. Commun. 10, 1765 (2019).10.1038/s41467-019-09707-8 ↗
46. Liao, M. et al. Cellulose‐based radiative cooling and solar heating powers ionic thermoelectrics. Adv. Sci. 10, 2206510 (2023).10.1002/advs.202206510 ↗
47. Mahan, G. D. & Sofo, J. O. The best thermoelectric. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93, 7436–7439 (1996).10.1073/pnas.93.15.7436 ↗
48. Khan, S., Kim, J., Roh, K., Park, G. & Kim, W. High power density of radiative-cooled compact thermoelectric generator based on body heat harvesting. Nano Energy 87, 106180 (2021).10.1016/j.nanoen.2021.106180 ↗
49. Yang, M. et al. Liquid metal-based flexible and wearable thermoelectric cooling structure and cooling performance optimization. Sci. China Mater. 66, 4001–4011 (2023).10.1007/s40843-023-2607-3 ↗
50. Zhang, S. et al. Multi-bioinspired flexible thermal emitters for all-day radiative cooling and wearable self-powered thermoelectric generation. Nano Energy 123, 109393 (2024).10.1016/j.nanoen.2024.109393 ↗
51. Chang, S.-W., Chen, Y.-J., Wan, D. & Chen, H.-L. Near-room-temperature waste heat recovery through radiative cooling for both daytime and nighttime power generation. J. Mater. Chem. A 11, 15183–15195 (2023).10.1039/D3TA01436C ↗
52. Zhang, S. et al. Boosting self-powered wearable thermoelectric generator with solar absorber and radiative cooler. Nano Energy 132, 110381 (2024).10.1016/j.nanoen.2024.110381 ↗
53. Pan, H. & Zhao, D. An improved model for performance predicting and optimization of wearable thermoelectric generators with radiative cooling. Energy Convers. Manag. 284, 116981 (2023).10.1016/j.enconman.2023.116981 ↗
54. Feng, M. et al. An overview of environmental energy harvesting by thermoelectric generators. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 187, 113723 (2023).10.1016/j.rser.2023.113723 ↗
55. Ji, Y. & Lv, S. Experimental and numerical investigation on a radiative cooling driving thermoelectric generator system. Energy 268, 126734 (2023).10.1016/j.energy.2023.126734 ↗
56. Jiang, W. et al. Scalable self-cooling textile enabled by hierarchical nanofiber structures with thermoelectric properties. Device 3, 100564 (2025).10.1016/j.device.2024.100564 ↗
57. Jung, Y., Jeong, S., Ahn, J., Lee, J. & Ko, S. H. High efficiency breathable thermoelectric skin using multimode radiative cooling/solar heating assisted large thermal gradient. Small 20, 2304338 (2023).10.1002/smll.202304338 ↗
58. Fan, F.-R., Tian, Z.-Q. & Lin Wang, Z. Flexible triboelectric generator. Nano Energy 1, 328–334 (2012).10.1016/j.nanoen.2012.01.004 ↗
59. Cheng, T., Shao, J. & Wang, Z. L. Triboelectric nanogenerators. Nat. Rev. Methods Prim. 3, 39 (2023).10.1038/s43586-023-00220-3 ↗
60. Song, W.-Z. et al. Single electrode piezoelectric nanogenerator for intelligent passive daytime radiative cooling. Nano Energy 82, 105695 (2021).10.1016/j.nanoen.2020.105695 ↗
61. Xu, J. et al. A durable, breathable, and weather-adaptive coating driven by particle self-assembly for radiative cooling and energy harvesting. Nano Energy 124, 109489 (2024).10.1016/j.nanoen.2024.109489 ↗
62. Wu, Y. et al. Scalable multifunction porous film as a thermal insulating radiative cooler and triboelectric nanogenerator to save and generate energy. Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells 269, 112784 (2024).10.1016/j.solmat.2024.112784 ↗
63. Wang, S. et al. A versatile strategy for concurrent passive daytime radiative cooling and sustainable energy harvesting. Small 20, 2305706 (2023).10.1002/smll.202305706 ↗
64. Tang, B. et al. A Mussel-Inspired and recyclable coating with integrated daytime radiative cooling and triboelectric energy harvesting for intelligent and sustainable buildings. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 16, 56159 (2024).
65. Chen, Y. et al. Green food packaging with integrated functions of high-efficiency radiation cooling and freshness monitoring. ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng. 11, 15135–15145 (2023).10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c05127 ↗
66. Cheng, M. et al. Multiple textile triboelectric nanogenerators based on UV-protective, radiative cooling, and antibacterial composite yarns. Chem. Eng. J. 468, 143800 (2023).10.1016/j.cej.2023.143800 ↗
67. Fan, C. et al. Robust integration of energy harvesting with daytime radiative cooling enables wearing thermal comfort self-powered electronic devices. Nano Energy 116, 108842 (2023).10.1016/j.nanoen.2023.108842 ↗
68. Zhang, J.-H. et al. Versatile self-assembled electrospun micropyramid arrays for high-performance on-skin devices with minimal sensory interference. Nat. Commun. 13, 5839 (2022).10.1038/s41467-022-33454-y ↗
69. Lee, G. et al. Integrated triboelectric nanogenerator and radiative cooler for all-weather transparent glass surfaces. Nat. Commun. 15, 6537 (2024).10.1038/s41467-024-50872-2 ↗
70. Green, M. A. et al. Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 60). Prog. Photovolt. 30, 687–701 (2022).10.1002/pip.3595 ↗
71. Hu, M. et al. Field investigation of a hybrid photovoltaic-photothermic-radiative cooling system. Appl. Energy 231, 288–300 (2018).10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.09.137 ↗
72. Jung, H. et al. Efficient and scalable radiative cooling for photovoltaics using solution‐processable and solar‐transparent mesoporous nanoparticles. Adv. Funct. Mater. 1, 2410478 (2024).10.1002/adfm.202410478 ↗
73. Li, W. et al. Nighttime radiative cooling for water harvesting from solar panels. ACS Photonics 8, 269–275 (2020).10.1021/acsphotonics.0c01471 ↗
74. Lv, S. et al. A novel strategy of enhancing sky radiative cooling by solar photovoltaic-thermoelectric cooler. Energy 219, 119625 (2021).10.1016/j.energy.2020.119625 ↗
75. Lv, S. et al. Performance analysis of radiative cooling combined with photovoltaic-driven thermoelectric cooling system in practical application. Energy 294, 130971 (2024).10.1016/j.energy.2024.130971 ↗
76. Huang, S. et al. A review on flexible solar cells. Sci. China Mater. 67, 2717–2736 (2024).10.1007/s40843-023-2843-8 ↗
77. Sato, D. & Yamada, N. Review of photovoltaic module cooling methods and performance evaluation of the radiative cooling method. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. 104, 151–166 (2019).10.1016/j.rser.2018.12.051 ↗
78. Wang, S. et al. A solar/radiative cooling dual-regulation smart window based on shape-morphing kirigami structures. Mater. Horiz. 10, 4243–4250 (2023).10.1039/D3MH00671A ↗
79. Wang, Z. et al. Investigation on a novel integrated system of radiative cooling and solar photovoltaics. Appl. Energy 377, 124719 (2025).10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.124719 ↗
80. Wei, J., Chen, H., Liu, J., Wang, F. & Wang, C. Radiative cooling technologies toward enhanced energy efficiency of solar cells: materials, systems, and perspectives. Nano Energy 136, 110680 (2025).10.1016/j.nanoen.2025.110680 ↗
81. Zhang, Y. F. et al. Efficient and stable flexible organic solar cells via the enhanced optical‐thermal radiative transfer. Adv. Funct. Mater. 33, 2212260 (2023).10.1002/adfm.202212260 ↗
82. Zhao, B., Hu, M., Ao, X., Xuan, Q. & Pei, G. Comprehensive photonic approach for diurnal photovoltaic and nocturnal radiative cooling. Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells 178, 266–272 (2018).10.1016/j.solmat.2018.01.023 ↗
83. Zhao, B. et al. Radiative cooling of solar cells with micro-grating photonic cooler. Renew. Energy 191, 662–668 (2022).10.1016/j.renene.2022.04.063 ↗
84. Rahman, M. M., Hasanuzzaman, M. & Rahim, N. A. Effects of various parameters on PV-module power and efficiency. Energy Convers. Manag. 103, 348–358 (2015).10.1016/j.enconman.2015.06.067 ↗
85. Jia, S. et al. Tandem daytime radiative cooling and solar power generation. Cell Rep. Phys. Sci. 6, 102343 (2025).10.1016/j.xcrp.2024.102343 ↗
86. Wang, K. et al. Radiative cooling of commercial silicon solar cells using a pyramid-textured PDMS film. Sol. Energy 225, 245–251 (2021).10.1016/j.solener.2021.07.025 ↗
87. Lee, E. & Luo, T. Black body-like radiative cooling for flexible thin-film solar cells. Sol. Energy Mater. Sol. Cells 194, 222–228 (2019).10.1016/j.solmat.2019.02.015 ↗
88. Perrakis, G. et al. Submicron organic–inorganic hybrid radiative cooling coatings for stable, ultrathin, and lightweight solar cells. ACS Photonics 9, 1327–1337 (2022).10.1021/acsphotonics.1c01935 ↗
89. Wang, Y. et al. Zinc-ion engineered Plant-based multifunctional hydrogels for flexible wearable strain Sensors, Bio-electrodes and Zinc-ion hybrid capacitors. Chem. Eng. J. 465, 142917 (2023).10.1016/j.cej.2023.142917 ↗
90. Wang, Q. et al. Lignin and cellulose derivatives-induced hydrogel with asymmetrical adhesion, strength, and electriferous properties for wearable bioelectrodes and self-powered sensors. Chem. Eng. J. 414, 128903 (2021).10.1016/j.cej.2021.128903 ↗
91. Kim, J. et al. Wearable bioelectronics: enzyme-based body-worn electronic devices. Acc. Chem. Res 51, 2820–2828 (2018).10.1021/acs.accounts.8b00451 ↗
92. Lee, S. et al. Fabric-based lamina emergent MXene-based electrode for electrophysiological monitoring. Nat. Commun. 15, 5974 (2024).10.1038/s41467-024-49939-x ↗
93. Muralee Gopi, C. V. V. et al. A review on electrode materials of supercapacitors used in wearable bioelectronics and implantable biomedical applications. Mater. Horiz. 25, 1635–1646 (2025).
94. Reis Carneiro, M., Majidi, C. & Tavakoli, M. Multi‐electrode printed bioelectronic patches for long‐term electrophysiological monitoring. Adv. Funct. Mater. 32, 2205956 (2022).10.1002/adfm.202205956 ↗
95. Wang, C. et al. A self‐healing solid‐state ion‐conductive elastomer with high mechanical robustness and high conductivity for soft ionotronics. Adv. Funct. Mater. 34, 2402815 (2024).10.1002/adfm.202402815 ↗
96. Lee, S. Y. et al. Designing comfortable-to-use wearable strain sensors with thermal management through radiative cooling function. Chem. Eng. J. 498, 155691 (2024).10.1016/j.cej.2024.155691 ↗
97. Peng, Y. et al. Thermally comfortable epidermal bioelectrodes based on ultrastretchable and passive radiative cooling e-textiles. Nano Energy 120, 109143 (2024).10.1016/j.nanoen.2023.109143 ↗
98. Niu, X., Gao, X., Liu, Y. & Liu, H. Surface bioelectric dry electrodes: a review. Measurement 183, 109774 (2021).10.1016/j.measurement.2021.109774 ↗
99. Jung, Y., Kim, M., Jeong, S., Hong, S. & Ko, S. H. Strain-insensitive outdoor wearable electronics by thermally robust nanofibrous radiative cooler. ACS Nano 18, 2312–2324 (2024).10.1021/acsnano.3c10241 ↗
100. Choi, Y. Y. et al. Radiative cooling smart textiles with integrated sensing for adaptive thermoregulation. ACS Mater. Lett. 6, 4624–4631 (2024).10.1021/acsmaterialslett.4c01624 ↗