Hydrogel Thermostat Inspired by Photoprotective Foliage Using Latent and Radiative Heat Control
Abstract
Abstract Plants such as Populus alba feature photoprotective foliage that dynamically modulates optical properties to dissipate excessive heat under high temperatures, while condensation‐induced latent heating preserves warmth under cold conditions—enabling tolerance to fluctuating thermal and hydric environments. Inspired by this natural strategy, a hydrogel‐based thermostat is presented that balances latent and radiative heat fluxes. The system integrates lithium ions and hydroxypropyl cellulose into a polyacrylamide matrix, providing dynamic solar reflectance, high infrared emissivity, and reversible water sorption–desorption capabilities. Thermochromic and hygroscopic responses are tunable via adjustments in hydroxypropyl cellulose and lithium ions concentrations, allowing environment‐specific adaptation. Mechanical robustness is enhanced by incorporating titanium dioxide nanoparticles and applying surface treatments. Experiments and simulations demonstrate both sub‐ambient cooling and above‐ambient heating across diverse conditions, establishing the system as an all‐season thermal regulation platform.
Article Details
Authors (16)
Se‐Yeon Heo
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Gwangju 61005 Republic of Korea
Hyung Rae Kim
Yoonsoo Shin
School of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Institute of Chemical Processes Seoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
Hyun Su Lee
School of Chemical and Biological Engineering and Institute of Chemical Processes Seoul National University Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
Hyunkyu Kwak
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Gwangju 61005 Republic of Korea
Do Hyeon Kim
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Gwangju 61005 Republic of Korea
Dong Hyun Seo
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Gwangju 61005 Republic of Korea
Joo Hwan Ko
Department of Mechanical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge MA 02139 USA
Hyo Eun Jeong
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Gwangju 61005 Republic of Korea
Sehui Chang
School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Gwangju 61005 Republic of Korea
Min Seok Kim
Longnan Li
Jyotirmoy Mandal
Wei Li
Dae‐Hyeong Kim
Center for Nanoparticle Research Institute for Basic Science (IBS) Seoul 08826 Republic of Korea
Young Min Song