As heatwaves become more frequent and intense across the world, scientists are searching for innovative ways to keep buildings cool while reducing energy consumption. Researchers at the University of Sydney, in collaboration with startup Dewpoint Innovations, have developed a new “smart paint” that reflects up to 97 per cent of sunlight and could significantly reduce the need for air conditioning during extreme heat.
The experimental coating is designed using a nano engineered polymer known as polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene (PVDF-HFP). Unlike conventional paints that absorb heat from the sun, the new material contains microscopic pores that scatter incoming sunlight and minimise heat absorption.
The coating works through a process called passive daytime radiative cooling. By reflecting most of the sun’s energy and radiating heat away from the surface, it allows buildings to remain cooler even under direct sunlight.
Laboratory and outdoor tests have shown promising results. Researchers reported that the coating reflects up to 97 per cent of sunlight and can keep surfaces more than 25 degrees Celsius cooler than traditional dark coloured roofs exposed to the same weather conditions. In some cases, coated surfaces remained up to 6 degrees Celsius cooler than the surrounding air.
Scientists believe the technology could help lower indoor temperatures by reducing the amount of heat entering buildings through roofs and walls. Although it is not intended to completely replace air conditioning systems, it could reduce electricity consumption and lower cooling costs, particularly in regions experiencing prolonged heatwaves.
One of the most remarkable features of the smart paint is its ability to collect water from the atmosphere. Because the coated surface remains cooler than the surrounding air, moisture naturally condenses into water droplets, similar to dew forming on grass during cool mornings.
The water harvesting process requires no external electricity. During a 6 month rooftop trial conducted at the Sydney Nanoscience Hub researchers found that the coating was able to collect atmospheric moisture for roughly one-third of the year. Under favourable conditions, it generated up to 390 millilitres of water per square metre per day.
Experts believe the technology could be useful in a wide range of applications, including residential buildings, commercial facilities, warehouses, agricultural infrastructure and remote communities. It may also help combat the urban heat island effect, where cities become significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas because of concrete surfaces and limited vegetation.
Countries such as India, where extreme heat events and water shortages are becoming increasingly common, could particularly benefit from a technology that combines cooling and water harvesting in a single solution.
Despite its potential smart paint is not yet commercially available. Researchers continue to conduct rooftop trials across Australia while Dewpoint Innovations works with industry partners to develop a market-ready version that can be applied using standard paint rollers and spray equipment.
Although no official launch date has been announced, scientists believe the technology represents a promising step toward climate-resilient buildings. By reducing heat absorption and generating water from the air without consuming electricity, the smart coating could become an important tool in helping communities adapt to rising global temperatures and increasing energy demands.