Multilayer structures for daytime radiative cooling and electromagnetic interference shielding
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: We present multilayer thin films that simultaneously provide strong electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and passive daytime radiative cooling. Using a multi-objective optimization framework, we explored multilayer stacks composed of common dielectric and metallic materials. The optimization shows that shielding effectiveness (SE) exceeding 70 dB across the 1 to 40 GHz frequency range and cooling performance above 70 W/m2 can be achieved simultaneously under 1-sun illumination and the U.S. Standard Atmosphere in the ideal dry limit (precipitable water = 0 mm). The analysis of the optimized designs reveals a consistent combination of Si3N4 and SiO2 dielectric layers on a metallic substrate. In these systems, the dielectric layers enhance mid-infrared emission within the atmospheric window (8–13 µm), while the metal layer provides strong EMI attenuation and high solar reflectivity. Structures such as Si3N4/Ag and Si3N4/SiO2/Ag achieve daytime net cooling power densities of 48.4 and 73.4 W/m2, respectively, while maintaining shielding effectiveness above 90 dB for 1–40 GHz. Al can also serve as a more cost-effective metallic layer, although with reduced net cooling performance. The two-layer system of SiO2/Al achieves a modest positive net cooling power density of 5.4 W/m2, while the three-layer Si3N4/SiO2/Al system improves the net cooling power density to 55.0 W/m2. These results demonstrate a scalable strategy for designing multifunctional coatings that combine EMI shielding with passive radiative cooling.
Source: Journal of Optics
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,325
Awards: IUCRC Phase I: University of Pittsburgh: Center for Materials Data Science for Reliability and Degradation (MDS-Rely), G3384453195, G3938010021, MRI: Acquisition of Cutting-Edge GPU and MPI Nodes for the Interdisciplinary Pitt Center for Research Computing, G7218924412, IUCRC Phase I: Case Western Reserve University (CWRU): Center for Materials Data Science for Reliability and Degradation (MDS-Rely), IUCRC Phase I Carnegie Mellon University: Center for Materials Data Science for Reliability and Degradation (MDS-Rely), G8887262216
OpenAlex ID: W7225323187