TY - JOUR
T1 - A scoping review on reflective coatings with nanomaterials
T2 - progress since 2000 and current challenges
AU - Alim, Mohammad A.
AU - Tao, Zhong
AU - Imran, H. M.
AU - Rahim, Md Arifur
AU - Malik, Zainab
AU - Rahman, Ataur
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Authors
PY - 2025/6/15
Y1 - 2025/6/15
N2 - This study investigates the progress in using nanomaterials in reflective coating (RC) technology. Generally, the benefits of RC are twofold: minimizing surface temperature and protecting surfaces. The purpose of applying RC is versatile, such as lowering the urban heat island effect and building energy consumption, improving photovoltaic performance, and increasing the durability of infrastructure. Incorporating nanomaterials in RC mixes enhances the effectiveness of this technology. However, the technical feasibility and economic viability of an appropriate preparation procedure with a proper mix design remain debatable. This review looks into peer-reviewed research articles related to the application of nanomaterials in RC technology in the core “Web of Science” and “Scopus” collections. It can be argued that researchers used nanomaterials for five distinct purposes: a) blocking near-infrared and ultraviolet portions of solar radiation, b) temperature shielding, c) radiative cooling, d) sub-ambient cooling, and e) surface cleaning or self-cleaning. It is revealed that nanomaterials could enhance the surface solar reflectivity and emissivity to 97 % and 0.97, respectively. The reported surface temperature reduction ranges between 2 and 35 °C with a statistical median value of 9.6 °C, whereas the sub-ambient cooling ranges between 2 and 13 °C with a statistical median value of 5 °C. Cooling power of the RC ranged between 35 and 135 W/m2, with a median value of 77 W/m2. Inconsistencies in RC performance have been discussed in the related sections. It is also found that a superhydrophobic RC can be prepared with a contact angle of ∼164°, but the coating has its advantages and limitations. The role of nanomaterials in enhancing UV stability and durability is discussed, along with the practicality and scalability of the technology. It is revealed that key challenges in RC technology include economic viability, stability concerns, and environmental implications. Based on the current unresolved issues, future research directions are outlined.
AB - This study investigates the progress in using nanomaterials in reflective coating (RC) technology. Generally, the benefits of RC are twofold: minimizing surface temperature and protecting surfaces. The purpose of applying RC is versatile, such as lowering the urban heat island effect and building energy consumption, improving photovoltaic performance, and increasing the durability of infrastructure. Incorporating nanomaterials in RC mixes enhances the effectiveness of this technology. However, the technical feasibility and economic viability of an appropriate preparation procedure with a proper mix design remain debatable. This review looks into peer-reviewed research articles related to the application of nanomaterials in RC technology in the core “Web of Science” and “Scopus” collections. It can be argued that researchers used nanomaterials for five distinct purposes: a) blocking near-infrared and ultraviolet portions of solar radiation, b) temperature shielding, c) radiative cooling, d) sub-ambient cooling, and e) surface cleaning or self-cleaning. It is revealed that nanomaterials could enhance the surface solar reflectivity and emissivity to 97 % and 0.97, respectively. The reported surface temperature reduction ranges between 2 and 35 °C with a statistical median value of 9.6 °C, whereas the sub-ambient cooling ranges between 2 and 13 °C with a statistical median value of 5 °C. Cooling power of the RC ranged between 35 and 135 W/m2, with a median value of 77 W/m2. Inconsistencies in RC performance have been discussed in the related sections. It is also found that a superhydrophobic RC can be prepared with a contact angle of ∼164°, but the coating has its advantages and limitations. The role of nanomaterials in enhancing UV stability and durability is discussed, along with the practicality and scalability of the technology. It is revealed that key challenges in RC technology include economic viability, stability concerns, and environmental implications. Based on the current unresolved issues, future research directions are outlined.
KW - Nanomaterials
KW - Radiative cooling
KW - Reflective coatings
KW - Sub-ambient cooling
KW - Superhydrophobic coating
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=105004422100&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.145633
DO - 10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.145633
M3 - Review Article
AN - SCOPUS:105004422100
SN - 0959-6526
VL - 511
JO - Journal of Cleaner Production
JF - Journal of Cleaner Production
M1 - 145633
ER -
