BEIJING, China: In response to global warming challenges, Chinese researchers have developed a groundbreaking aerogel using DNA and gelatin, aimed at cooling homes sustainably.
This biomaterial achieves impressive results, lowering temperatures by up to 16 degrees Celsius during sunny days by reflecting more than 100% of solar radiation. Published in Science, the study highlights how these aerogels, crafted through water welding, are not only highly efficient but also repairable, recyclable, and biodegradable.
Lead author Zhao Haibo from Sichuan University envisions these aerogels as transformative outer layers for urban buildings, significantly cutting down energy consumption and carbon emissions.
Simulations indicate substantial savings in cooling costs across various cities, making these biomaterials a promising solution for future sustainable architecture.
This innovation marks a crucial step towards meeting global carbon reduction targets while enhancing environmental sustainability through advanced radiative cooling technologies.
