DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

The cold universe as a renewable energy resource: developing smart radiative control coating technologies in South Africa

Project disclaimer

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Description

Across the world, keeping buildings cool and energy-efficient is becoming one of the biggest technological and environmental challenges of our time. In rapidly growing African cities, air-conditioning and heating already comprises 30 ? 60 % of electricity consumption during peak demand periods. The proposed project brings together the University of the Free State (South Africa) and the University of Southampton (United Kingdom) to tackle this urgent issue by developing a new class of passive, self-regulating infrared (IR) coatings that can automatically control how much heat a surface emits or absorbs without the use of any external power. South Africa has much to gain from the future use of this technology and has world leading physics research capabilities that can provide extremely valuable contributions to this area of research. However, international collaboration is essential to strengthen capacity in expertise and resources so that these important contributions can be realised. The development of engineered radiative surfaces is a physics challenge combining advanced materials with electromagnetic design. A key challenge lies in understanding and controlling these materials at the nanoscale and produce thin-film coatings with high performance and long durability. Traditional thermal-control materials are static: their reflectivity and emissivity do not change with temperature. In contrast, certain ?smart? materials undergo reversible changes in their electronic and optical properties when heated or cooled. By carefully adjusting these materials characteristics, it is possible to create coatings that regulate heat flow naturally. This represents a distinct Sub-Saharan African (SSA) research challenge, as rising urban temperatures and energy costs make passive thermal regulation critical for sustainable living across the region. Addressing this challenge requires smart materials engineered to operate effectively within the 20?60 °C climatic range typical of SSA environments, reducing reliance on powered cooling systems and supporting equitable access to energy-efficient infrastructure. The goal of this collaborative Africa?UK project is to design, fabricate, and study multi-material thin films to produce smart radiative cooling solutions that autonomously regulate thermal radiation. The main objectives are to: Develop and optimise deposition methods for high-quality oxide films and multi-material stacks and characterise structure, composition, and phase transitions of materials using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy. Use computational models to understand the link between microstructure and thermal behaviour and design smart multi-material electromagnetic designs for different application requirements. Experimentally fabricate a variety of multi-material coating prototypes and evaluate their response. Work with stakeholders and end users to explore applications within the South African context using locally sourced materials and supply chains, reducing the need for imports. The two universities will develop a partnership to co-develop this critical technology, train postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers and generate societal impact. Our project addresses equity, diversity and inclusivity including female and under-represented groups and their training in cutting-edge materials science and photonics, building long-term scientific capacity in Africa. The project will be the starting point of new international collaborations, drive further research, and strengthen innovation pathways linking academia, industry, and policy. By combining materials physics, environmental sustainability, and equitable collaboration, this project addresses a central question for the 21st century: how to control energy and heat more intelligently. It will generate scientific insights, technological prototypes, and human expertise that contribute to cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive societies. Thus, we will be demonstrating how advanced physics can serve both planetary and human well-being.

Objectives

Across the world, keeping buildings cool and energy-efficient is becoming one of the biggest technological and environmental challenges of our time. In rapidly growing African cities, air-conditioning and heating already comprises 30 ? 60 % of electricity consumption during peak demand periods. The proposed project brings together the University of the Free State (South Africa) and the University of Southampton (United Kingdom) to tackle this urgent issue by developing a new class of passive, self-regulating infrared (IR) coatings that can automatically control how much heat a surface emits or absorbs without the use of any external power. South Africa has much to gain from the future use of this technology and has world leading physics research capabilities that can provide extremely valuable contributions to this area of research. However, international collaboration is essential to strengthen capacity in expertise and resources so that these important contributions can be realised. The development of engineered radiative surfaces is a physics challenge combining advanced materials with electromagnetic design. A key challenge lies in understanding and controlling these materials at the nanoscale and produce thin-film coatings with high performance and long durability. Traditional thermal-control materials are static: their reflectivity and emissivity do not change with temperature. In contrast, certain ?smart? materials undergo reversible changes in their electronic and optical properties when heated or cooled. By carefully adjusting these materials characteristics, it is possible to create coatings that regulate heat flow naturally. This represents a distinct Sub-Saharan African (SSA) research challenge, as rising urban temperatures and energy costs make passive thermal regulation critical for sustainable living across the region. Addressing this challenge requires smart materials engineered to operate effectively within the 20?60 °C climatic range typical of SSA environments, reducing reliance on powered cooling systems and supporting equitable access to energy-efficient infrastructure. The goal of this collaborative Africa?UK project is to design, fabricate, and study multi-material thin films to produce smart radiative cooling solutions that autonomously regulate thermal radiation. The main objectives are to: Develop and optimise deposition methods for high-quality oxide films and multi-material stacks and characterise structure, composition, and phase transitions of materials using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy. Use computational models to understand the link between microstructure and thermal behaviour and design smart multi-material electromagnetic designs for different application requirements. Experimentally fabricate a variety of multi-material coating prototypes and evaluate their response. Work with stakeholders and end users to explore applications within the South African context using locally sourced materials and supply chains, reducing the need for imports. The two universities will develop a partnership to co-develop this critical technology, train postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers and generate societal impact. Our project addresses equity, diversity and inclusivity including female and under-represented groups and their training in cutting-edge materials science and photonics, building long-term scientific capacity in Africa. The project will be the starting point of new international collaborations, drive further research, and strengthen innovation pathways linking academia, industry, and policy. By combining materials physics, environmental sustainability, and equitable collaboration, this project addresses a central question for the 21st century: how to control energy and heat more intelligently. It will generate scientific insights, technological prototypes, and human expertise that contribute to cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive societies. Thus, we will be demonstrating how advanced physics can serve both planetary and human well-being.

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Location

The country, countries or regions that benefit from this Programme.

South Africa