Seoul National University researchers have introduced a groundbreaking thermal management technology that can provide cooling and heating functions using just one material and process, eliminating the need for electricity.
The Future of Thermal Management: A Single Material Solution
Professor Seung Hwan Ko’s team at Seoul National University has developed a game-changing technology that allows for targeted cooling and heating using a single material and process. This innovation, showcased in the journal Joule, marks a significant step towards more sustainable thermal management solutions.
In a world where energy consumption and environmental concerns are at the forefront, the demand for energy-efficient technologies is on the rise. This new thermal management system offers a versatile solution by leveraging sunlight and radiant heat to create a comfortable environment indoors, without the need for additional electricity.
Revolutionizing Thermal Control with Laser Technology
The key to this innovative technology lies in the laser-induced pyrolysis of a transparent silicon polymer known as PDMS. By adjusting the laser output intensity, the material can be transformed into either a cooling or heating surface. This flexibility in functionality sets it apart from traditional methods that require separate materials and complex processes.
The versatility of this technology was demonstrated in real-world scenarios, with the white porous material maintaining a significantly lower temperature than its surroundings while the black porous material exhibited exceptional self-heating properties. The potential energy savings and environmental benefits of integrating this system into building structures are immense, with projections showing a substantial reduction in heating and cooling costs.
Furthermore, the ability to generate electricity from the temperature differentials created by the cooling and heating surfaces opens up new possibilities for sustainable energy solutions. By harnessing the power of sunlight and thermal gradients, this technology paves the way for a more eco-friendly and efficient approach to energy management.
Unlocking a World of Possibilities
By simplifying the process of implementing cooling and heating functions using a single material, this technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, from construction to renewable energy systems. The scalability and cost-effectiveness of this approach make it a promising candidate for widespread adoption in the quest for a greener future.
Professor Seung Hwan Ko envisions a world where thermal management is no longer a complex and energy-intensive process but a seamless integration of innovative materials and technologies. With this new paradigm in thermal control, the possibilities for sustainable energy solutions are endless.
More information:
Yeongju Jung et al, Monolithic integration of radiative cooling and solar heating functionalities by laser-induced pyrolysis, Joule (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.joule.2025.102007
