Ideas and achievements in novel material-based passive adjustment approach for a more sustainable and comfortable life

Material-based passive radiant thermal management is a green and potential method for building energy saving and thermal comfort regulation. This paper provided an overview of the principles of passive radiative cooling and discussed how the human body transfers heat and the passive radiative heat transfer pathways between the human body and buildings. Secondly, this paper discussed the design of passive radiative materials, including enhanced radiative cooling, radiative shielding heating, and dual-mode switching of cooling and heating. Subsequently, the classification, optical properties, and thermal properties of passive radiation materials are summarized, and the materials’ composition, preparation process, and structural characteristics are briefly described. This article reviewed the current application potential and challenges of passive radiation materials for construction and textiles. In view of the particularity of the close connection between buildings and the human body in the future, it is proposed to establish integrated passive radiation heat management of the building and human body to reduce energy consumption. The significance of this work is to guide material-based passive radiant thermal management of buildings. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd