A breakthrough innovation in cooling paint technology could transform how cities tackle rising temperatures and water shortages. Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a special paint that can both cool buildings and collect water from the air.
The project, led by scientists including Chiara Neto and Ming Chiu, later evolved into a startup called Dewpoint Innovations, aiming to bring this solution to real-world use.
The paint uses advanced nanotechnology and a process known as Passive Radiative Cooling to reflect up to 96% of sunlight. This allows surfaces to stay cooler than the surrounding air without consuming energy helping reduce indoor temperatures and lowering the need for air conditioning.
In trials, roofs coated with this paint were significantly cooler than traditional surfaces, reducing cooling energy use by up to 34%. This makes it a promising solution for tackling the urban heat island effect, where cities become hotter due to concrete and infrastructure absorbing heat.
Another key feature of the paint is its ability to harvest water from the atmosphere. When the coated surface remains cooler than the air, moisture condenses on it, similar to water droplets forming on a cold glass. Early tests show that it can collect meaningful amounts of water, especially in humid regions.
While the technology is still under development, experts believe it could play a major role in climate adaptation, energy efficiency and sustainable urban design.
However, challenges such as cost, durability and performance in varying weather conditions still need to be addressed before large-scale adoption.
The innovation represents a step forward in designing cities that not only reduce heat but also help manage water resources in a changing climate.
Keywords:
* cooling paint technology
* heat reducing paint
* water from air technology
* passive radiative cooling
* urban heat island solution
* sustainable building materials
* climate change solutions
* energy efficient homes
* innovative paint technology
* smart city solutions
Asian Burg | Science / Environment
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