Date:

2026-10-01

Impact Factor:

9.8

DOI Number:

10.1016/j.renene.2026.126518

Title of Paper:

A spectral-shifting radiative cooling film for improving photosynthesis，water use efficiency，and energy savings in greenhouses

Journal:

Renewable Energy

Key Words:

Radiative cooling Thermal management Water use efficiency Photosynthesis Energy saving

Summary:

Greenhouse cultivation is essential for addressing global food security by enabling year-round, climate-controlled agriculture. However, sustainable production in greenhouses is often challenged by the need to maintain optimal growing conditions in hot climates, which require simultaneous spectral optimization for photosynthesis, passive cooling, and water conservation. In this study, we introduce a spectral-shifting radiative cooling film for effective microclimate regulation in greenhouses. The film features a multi-layer structure: the top layer dissipating heat via broadband mid-infrared (2.5–20 μm) emission, while the middle and bottom layers reduce solar heat gain by reflecting near-infrared (0.7–2.5 μm) radiation and selectively converting low-efficiency green light (0.5–0.6 μm) into highly photosynthetically active red light (0.6–0.7 μm). Under peak solar irradiation (885 W m−2), the film reduces greenhouse temperature by 9 °C and water evaporation by 13%. Remarkably, experimental results demonstrate that lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. 'Tiberius') production increases by 41%–150% across three independent replicates, attributed to the optimized light spectra, temperature regulation, and improved water retention. An energy-saving model indicates a 23% reduction in cooling energy demand compared to conventional glass. This integrated microclimate-regulating strategy offers a sustainable, energy-efficient approach to augmenting greenhouse productivity.

Discipline:

Natural Science

First-Level Discipline:

Physics

Document Type:

J

Volume:

277

Page Number:

126518

Translation or Not:

No

Date of Publication:

2026-10-01

Included Journals:

SCI