Penguin‐Inspired Janus Composite Film for Thermal Management Enabling Ultrahigh‐Dynamic Broadband Microwave Modulation

View at publisher
Authors: Weiqi Zhou, Haobo Fan, Hainan Zhang, Qianqian Zhao, Xiangge Han, Yaohua Li, Yaohua Li, Jia Gao, Shuliang Dou, Longfei Li, Yao Li, Yao Li
Cited by: 9
References: 51

Abstract

ABSTRACT The realization of future green and intelligent societies demands advanced materials capable of dynamic thermal management and adaptive electromagnetic wave regulation. However, conventional thermal management materials are inherently limited in dynamic regulation capabilities owing to their static optical and electromagnetic properties. Herein, we propose a penguin‐inspired VO 2 ‐based Janus architecture that synergistically integrates dynamic thermal regulation with broadband microwave modulation. This architecture comprises a VO 2 ‐based photothermal layer exhibiting 94.5% solar absorptance and a radiative‐cooling layer demonstrating >90% solar reflectance coupled with 97.1% mid‐infrared emittance, thereby enabling bidirectional thermal management. Notably, leveraging a four‐order‐of‐magnitude resistance switching of VO 2 during its metal‐insulator transition, the film demonstrates broadband microwave modulation (8.2–40 GHz) with a significant dynamic tunability (0.78–32.1 dB) in the X‐band. Furthermore, the film features superhydrophobic characteristics, conferring anti‐icing, de‐icing, and self‐cleaning functionalities. By integrating dynamic photothermal conversion and microwave modulation within a scalable biomimetic framework, this research provides a new strategy for next‐generation intelligent material systems.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Transition Metal Oxide Nanomaterials Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods Thermal Radiation and Cooling Technologies

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Functional Materials
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
36
Issue
46
Publication date
16 April 2026
Language
EN