Printable 'smart' textile cools the wearer and generates electricity

Engineers at the University of Illinois created a printable zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) nanocomposite textile that reflects 96% of solar radiation and harvests energy from movement. Under sunlight the fabric stays 3–6 °C below ambient air temperature, with a peak power density of about 47 mW/m².

• Textile reflects 96% of solar radiation and has 97% mid-infrared emissivity
• Under sunlight the material measures 3–6 °C below ambient air temperature
• Peak triboelectric power density is 47 mW/m², stable over 30,000 cycles
• Material is printable via direct ink writing without external systems