As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, dependence on air conditioners has become a major reason for increasing electricity demand. In response to this challenge, a team of Hong Kong scientists developed a cooling ceramic that has near-perfect reflectivity and reduces more than 20% of the energy typically consumed by air conditioners.

We were inspired by nature

This invention is inspired by nature and mimics the biological whiteness of the Cyphochilus bug, a creature native to Southeast Asia. This newly developed aluminum oxide ceramic material has a porous structure that effectively reflects almost all wavelengths of sunlight. Achieving an unprecedented solar reflectance of 99.6%.

The manufacturing process is not only simple but also cost-effective because it does not require special equipment or expensive materials, making it easy to scale up. Ceramics have high strength, Can withstand temperatures over 1000°CThis makes it better than many existing polymer- or metal-based cooling materials.

How can it be used in practice?

The potential application of this innovation is wide, as the material can be molded and painted in any color. Despite a slight reduction in the paint’s reflectivity, gloss-painted ceramics remain cooler than similar commercial tiles in direct sunlight.

Field tests conducted in a variety of climates, including Beijing and various locations in the United States, demonstrated the material’s effectiveness in lowering temperatures. In tropical regions, ceramics can potentially save more than 10% on annual indoor air conditioning costs.

The study’s lead author, Edwin Tso Chi-Yang, associate professor at City University’s School of Energy and Environment, expects the product to hit the market late next year. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, this development is a promising step towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.