Bio-Inspired Strategy for Radiation-Based Thermal Management and Utilization

Abstract

In nature, biological species have evolved unique mechanisms and sophisticated structures for intelligent radiation-based thermal management and utilization over billions of years through natural selection. These adaptive strategies in biological species serve as a significant source of inspiration for the development of advanced thermal engineering materials and systems in modern society, driving innovation in applications such as building heating and cooling, personal thermal management, water acquisition, and next-generation infrared (IR) sensing systems. In this review, advancements in biological and bio-inspired thermal management strategies, including radiative cooling, thermal regulation, and thermal insulation, are comprehensively summarized. Additionally, recent advancements in radiation-based biological and bio-inspired thermal utilization are discussed, focusing on applications such as water harvesting, IR camouflage, and IR detection. Next, various examples of the integration of IR management strategies with electronic and energy systems are introduced, highlighting their potential to enhance efficiency and functionality in thermal management, energy efficiency, and advanced sensing applications. By leveraging these bio-inspired systems, innovative strategies have emerged, encompassing both thermal management and utilization, and enabling efficient heat regulation and energy harvesting across a wide range of technological applications. Finally, a future perspective on the development of radiation-based bio-inspired thermal management and utilization technologies is provided.