Designing hierarchical structures for innovative cooling textile

Abstract

The potential of personal cooling technologies in reducing air conditioning energy consumption and enhancing human thermal comfort is substantial. This review focuses on recent advancements in hierarchical structure design for innovative cooling textiles. Beginning with insights into fundamental heat transfer processes between the human body, textile, and the surroundings, we uncover key control mechanisms. Then the advanced hierarchical structure designs enabling effective radiation, sweat evaporation, conduction management, and integration of cold energy sources for realizing effective human body cooling are systematically summarized. Additionally, we explore multifunctional designs beyond cooling, including switchable cooling-heating and sensing. Finally, we engage in discussions on unifying cooling performance tests and additional multiple requirements to make strides toward practical applications. This review is anticipated to be a valuable resource, providing the scientific and industrial communities with a quick grasp of past advancements, current challenges, and future directions in achieving effective human body cooling.