Adaptive Metafilm With Scalable Phase‐Tunable Emissivity for Energy‐Efficient Thermal Management

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Authors: James Laurence A. Ruello, Sudip Kumar Pal, Xiaoqing Yu, Joonyoung Yoo, Sihyun Jang, GaYeong KIM, GaYeong KIM, Gunwoo Kim, Gunwoo Kim
Cited by: 1
References: 32

Abstract

ABSTRACT Efficient thermal management of enclosed systems through controlled manipulation of radiative cooling power represents a key functionality of adaptive composite metamaterials. Such materials enable precise regulation of heat emission under varying environmental conditions while maintaining scalability and durability. Here, we present an adaptive metafilm (AMF) that autonomously tunes its infrared (IR) emissivity near ambient temperature. The AMF is fabricated by embedding tungsten‐doped vanadium dioxide (W‐VO 2 ) and indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles in a low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) matrix, followed by bottom‑side aluminum sputtering to form a reflective back layer. Through systematic optimization of filler loading and film thickness, an optimal configuration (5 wt.% W‐VO 2 | 1 wt.% ITO | 50 µm) was identified, providing maximal IR modulation by balancing absorption and multiple scattering. This design yields a transmittance tunability of up to 40.25% in the 9–11 µm wavelength range, enabling bidirectional switching between heat‐conserving and radiative‐cooling modes across ambient temperature transitions at 40°C. The flexible metafilm exhibits strong environmental stability, supported by a polyethylene‐based composite during repeated thermal cycling. Both optical and thermal evaluations demonstrate consistent thermoregulation without external power. This scalable, flexible AMF platform offers a practical route to net‐zero‐energy thermal regulation in buildings, enclosures, and mobile energy systems.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Thermal Radiation and Cooling Technologies Transition Metal Oxide Nanomaterials Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
Small
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
22
Issue
50
Pages
e74620–e74620
Publication date
25 July 2026
Language
EN