A group of Chinese researchers has developed a biomass-based building material using DNA.
This material can reduce building temperatures by up to 16 degrees Celsius on hot sunny days, even under strong sunlight.
The researchers combined DNA— the genetic material of life— with gelatin to create a layered aerogel structure.
DNA from salmon reacts with gelatin to give the aerogel material UV light absorption capabilities. (Photo: Shutterstock).
This structure absorbs ultraviolet light and converts it into visible light, achieving a solar radiation reflection index exceeding 100%, resulting in exceptional cooling efficiency.
In the study published on July 5 in the journal Science, experts confirmed that this aerogel can be installed on a large scale through water welding, and it is repairable, recyclable, and biodegradable.
Simulation results from the research demonstrated that this new material helps to minimize environmental pollution and significantly reduces annual energy costs for cooling buildings across all modeled cities.
The article emphasizes that this material is aimed at revolutionizing energy efficiency in urban architecture.
This new aerogel, acting as an outer protective layer, promises to significantly reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption while paving the way for sustainable and innovative cooling materials in the future.
China has committed to achieving a dual carbon goal, aiming for carbon emissions to peak by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
