Bioinspired Microstructured Materials for Optical and Thermal Regulation

Abstract

Precise optical and thermal regulatory systems are found in nature, specifically in the microstructures on organisms’ surfaces. In fact, the interaction between light and matter through these microstructures is of great significance to the evolution and survival of organisms. Furthermore, the optical regulation by these biological microstructures is engineered owing to natural selection. Herein, the role that microstructures play in enhancing optical performance or creating new optical properties in nature is summarized, with a focus on the regulation mechanisms of the solar and infrared spectra emanating from the microstructures and their role in the field of thermal radiation. The causes of the unique optical phenomena are discussed, focusing on prevailing characteristics such as high absorption, high transmission, adjustable reflection, adjustable absorption, and dynamic infrared radiative design. On this basis, the comprehensive control performance of light and heat integrated by this bioinspired microstructure is introduced in detail and a solution strategy for the development of low‐energy, environmentally friendly, intelligent thermal control instruments is discussed. In order to develop such an instrument, a microstructural design foundation is provided.

Biomimetic Ultra‐Black Sponge Derived from Loofah and Co‐MOF for Long‐Term Solar‐Powered Vapor Generation and Desalination

“…Through long periods of natural selection, many animals in nature have evolved special functions such as warning, camouflage, signaling, and thermoregulation to survive in harsh environments. [ 1–7 ] Among them, the functions related to light and heat have attracted extensive attention from researchers because light and heat are indispensable factors for human survival. Inspired by the special functions and microstructures related to light and heat of animals, some artificial materials with multiple functions have been designed and used for light and heat management, including broadband light reflection, [ 8,9 ] broadband light absorption, [ 10–12 ] thermal insulation, [ 13–15 ] and radiation cooling.…”

3D‐Printed Biomimetic Systems with Synergetic Color and Shape Responses Based on Oblate Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Droplets

“…For example, an octopus could adhere to a rock and become invisible by changing its color to that of surrounding environment via the elongation or contraction of its pigment cells. [ 10–13 ] Such interesting phenomena have inspired intense researches for the development of biomimetic stimuli‐responsive systems. Various color‐tunable or shape‐tunable materials are thus developed based on polymers, hydrogels, and so on.…”

Toward the Burgeoning Optical Sensors with Ultra‐Precision Hierarchical Structures Inspired by Butterflies

“…When the relative humidity changes from 11% to 97%, its reflection spectrum displays an 86 nm shift, showing good humidity response performance (Figure 12b,c). [ 53,54 ] This work provides a blueprint for future research on responsive PCs. Due to the potential applications of polymers and natural photonic materials in sensors, anti‐counterfeiting, or decoration, their diversity will be cleverly exploited.…”