Self‐Switching Dynamic Infrared Radiative Cooler Enabling Triple‐Mode Temperature Regulation

Abstract

Abstract Passive radiative cooling offers zero‐energy heat dissipation, yet static photonic structures fail in multi‐scenario applications due to distinct or even incompatible requirements of infrared emission spectra across different thermal environments. Herein, a self‐switching dynamic infrared radiative cooler (DIRC) is proposed that achieves triple‐mode temperature regulation, including sub‐ambient, near‐ambient, and above‐ambient cooling application. By leveraging temperature‐triggered directional migration of broadband emission water molecules within thermoresponsive hydrogel, the spectral conversion between infrared selective emission for sub‐ambient cooling and broadband emission for above‐ambient cooling is realized. The resulting DIRC exhibits an average broadband emissivity of 94.1% across 2.5–25 µm and adaptively switches to a selective emissivity of 81.6% within the 8–13 µm, solar reflectivity maintains ≈90% during spectral conversion. The spectral transition is rapid and autonomous, with response times between 85.6 and 37.3 s across 35–45 °C temperature range. Notably, triple‐mode thermal‐regulated DIRC achieves a sub‐ambient cooling of 9.5 °C for building thermal management, near‐ambient cooling of 7.0 °C for enhanced personal comfort, and above‐ambient cooling of 6.9 °C for photovoltaic panels. By overcoming the single‐scenario and weather conditions limitations of static designs, the proposed DIRC represents a versatile strategy for triple‐mode thermal regulation across a wide applications.