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Researchers from Sichuan University in China have developed a new biodegradable aerogel for sustainable cooling. This material could change the way we use cooling in a sustainable way. They used a process called the photoluminescence effect. In simple terms, this process makes a material emit light. An aerogel is a lightweight material that feels almost like solid air. They made this aerogel from gelatin and DNA. This new aerogel reflects an amazing 104% of solar energy. This means it can keep things cooler by bouncing off more sunlight.
What is a Biodegradable Aerogel for Sustainable Cooling?
The key to this groundbreaking discovery lies in the unique structure and composition of the aerogel. Jian-Wen Ma is the first author of the study. He explains why the material reflects light so well. This is because of a special structure in the aerogel. The aerogel has many layers. These layers make the sunlight scatter and reflect many times. This greatly improves how well the aerogel reflects solar light.
This remarkable achievement shows the researchers’ great scientific skills. It also helps address the urgent problem of climate change. Traditional cooling systems use a lot of energy and release gases that harm the environment. This makes them unsustainable over time. The new biodegradable aerogel is a promising option. It cools very well and is better for the environment.
What makes this material even more remarkable is its natural ability to break down and be fixed. Jian-Wen Ma says these aerogels are made from biomass raw materials. Examples of these materials are gelatin and DNA. Aerogels are very light, sponge-like materials. These aerogels can be easily repaired, recycled, and decomposed naturally. They provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional cooling materials.
Scientists tested the cooling material thoroughly. They tried it in different weather conditions like sunny, cloudy, and overcast days. The aerogel showed a great ability to cool down the surroundings. It could lower temperatures by up to 16 degrees Celsius. This worked even when the sun was very strong.
Recycling Aerogel for Sustainable Cooling
The researchers found a way to recycle the aerogel. They use high-temperature dissolution, re-gelation, and freeze-drying. This process improves sustainability and reduces waste. Additionally, the material breaks down naturally. This happens because microorganisms can decompose it. This biodegradability means it has minimal environmental impact.
The team is exploring practical uses for the aerogel. Jian-Wen Ma admits that using this new material in various industries might be challenging. Despite this, the researchers are confident. They believe their creation is adaptable and versatile. This could lead to a more sustainable future in cooling technology.
This new development in sustainable cooling materials shows how powerful working together in science can be. It also shows how important it is to keep looking for new ideas to solve big environmental problems. Today, the world faces big challenges from climate change. This new biodegradable aerogel is a big help. It can reflect sunlight better than anything before it. This gives hope and is a promising step toward a more sustainable future.
Read more about this remarkable innovation on Interesting Engineering
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