Natural-inspired sustainable cellulose cooling aerogel with hetero-photonic scattering network via hydration of metal-organic frameworks-induced interface assembly for energy saving buildings

Qianyi Yao; Guixian Dong; Xuanhao Zhuo; Xiaodan Wu; Xin Zhao; Guanzhen Wu; Yu Fu; Chenyang Cai

doi:10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100267

Volume 11 Issue 4

Aug. 2026

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Qianyi Yao, Guixian Dong, Xuanhao Zhuo, Xiaodan Wu, Xin Zhao, Guanzhen Wu, Yu Fu, Chenyang Cai. Natural-inspired sustainable cellulose cooling aerogel with hetero-photonic scattering network via hydration of metal-organic frameworks-induced interface assembly for energy saving buildings[J]. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 2026, 11(4): 100267. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100267

Citation:

Qianyi Yao, Guixian Dong, Xuanhao Zhuo, Xiaodan Wu, Xin Zhao, Guanzhen Wu, Yu Fu, Chenyang Cai. Natural-inspired sustainable cellulose cooling aerogel with hetero-photonic scattering network via hydration of metal-organic frameworks-induced interface assembly for energy saving buildings[J]. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 2026, 11(4): 100267. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100267

Citation:

Qianyi Yao, Guixian Dong, Xuanhao Zhuo, Xiaodan Wu, Xin Zhao, Guanzhen Wu, Yu Fu, Chenyang Cai. Natural-inspired sustainable cellulose cooling aerogel with hetero-photonic scattering network via hydration of metal-organic frameworks-induced interface assembly for energy saving buildings[J]. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 2026, 11(4): 100267. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100267

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Natural-inspired sustainable cellulose cooling aerogel with hetero-photonic scattering network via hydration of metal-organic frameworks-induced interface assembly for energy saving buildings

doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100267

a College of International Education, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China;
b School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China

Funds:

Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (No. BK20230404).

2025 Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Jiangsu Province (No. 202510298217Y)

Received Date: 2026-01-12
Accepted Date: 2026-04-18
Rev Recd Date: 2026-04-12

Available Online: 2026-09-01

Publish Date: 2026-08-01

Abstract

Abstract

Passive radiative cooling is a sustainable cooling technology that shows great promise in energy-saving fields. However, simultaneously achieving solar reflectivity and infrared emissivity over 95% performance is hindered by the lack of an efficient micro/nano-structure process technology and by photonic design's shortcomings in terms of high cost and environmental concerns. Herein, inspired by the structural relationship in the white beetle, a novel cooling cellulose aerogel (MCA) with dual-band solar reflectivity and infrared emissivity was proposed by meticulously manipulating the kinetics of the ice-templating process. A hetero-photonic scattering topology composed of nanoparticles, a nano/micro fibers network, and dual-pores via incorporating ice nucleation modifier of hygroscopic metal-organic frameworks (MOF) (modulation of interaction between cellulose, water, and MOF), reproducing the random and anisotropic optical scattering mechanism of white beetles. Driven by the hydration of MOF-induced ice nucleation in binary nanocellulose suspensions, the nanofibers and nanoparticles can form a heterostructured and interconnected micro/nanonetwork via hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Compared with the traditional pore structure, the bioinspired MCA exhibited a dual band high solar reflectance of 0.958 and infrared emissivity of 0.95, which results in daytime subambient cooling of 7.1 ℃ during direct sunlight outdoors. Meanwhile, life cycle assessment demonstrates that the preparation process of MCA exhibits a very low environmental impact and is essential for green production and manufacturing. By demonstrating 40% annual cooling energy savings in China, this work paves the way for high-performance, sustainable cooling materials.
- Nanocellulose aerogel,
- Metal-organic frameworks,
- Hydration,
- Radiative cooling,
- Energy saving,
- Biodegradable

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References(37)

References

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