Scientists have created cooling purple clothing that radiates heat into space

Scientists from the University of Adelaide and Zhengzhou University have developed an unusual purple fabric that can stay cool even under direct sunlight. The material uses the principle of radiative cooling: it reflects a significant portion of solar radiation, and accumulated heat is released through the atmosphere into outer space.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to the journal Small, the researchers managed to solve the problem of creating colored fabric with effective cooling by combining a ZIF-67 metal-organic framework with zinc oxide nanoparticles. The results of the work have been published in the scientific journal Small.

Unlike light-colored materials, dark fabrics typically heat up more in the sun because they absorb more solar radiation. Therefore, creating a bright colored material that can simultaneously dissipate heat effectively became a serious scientific challenge.

The new fabric absorbs green light, which gives it a rich purple hue, while reflecting a significant portion of solar energy in other wavelength ranges. The material also effectively emits infrared radiation with a wavelength of 8–13 micrometers.

This range is called the atmospheric window. Radiation in this range can pass through the atmosphere virtually unimpeded and escape into cold outer space, providing passive cooling of the material.

Tests showed that under direct sunlight, the new purple fabric was 4.2 °C cooler than white cotton and 6.2 °C cooler than regular purple cotton. When in contact with simulated human skin, the material reduced its temperature by approximately 8 °C.

In addition to its cooling properties, the fabric proved to be lightweight, flexible, and breathable. It repels water, retains its characteristics after 50 wash cycles, and can withstand prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Scientists believe the technology could find applications in creating clothing for athletes, people working outdoors, and residents of regions with hot climates. Unlike air conditioners, radiative cooling does not require additional energy consumption.