A team of scientists in China, in collaboration with researchers from the United States, has developed a new type of cement capable of lowering building temperatures by as much as 5 degrees Celsius. The innovation, known as photon-structured cement, offers a significant advance in energy-efficient construction materials by reducing reliance on air conditioning in hot climates. The breakthrough was announced on August 22 by researchers at Southeast University in Nanjing, led by Professor Miao Chanven from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
The team has engineered the cement to mimic the light-reflective properties of certain crystalline minerals. When set, the cement surface develops a structure similar to ettringite, a mineral that reflects a high percentage of visible light while simultaneously allowing mid-infrared radiation to escape. This dual-action effect reduces heat absorption by the building and enhances passive cooling. According to test results published by the researchers, the cement surface maintains temperatures up to 5.4 degrees Celsius lower than traditional materials under direct sunlight.
The material’s performance was measured using standard solar exposure simulations and validated under laboratory and outdoor conditions. In addition to its cooling capabilities, the cement also demonstrated high durability under harsh environmental conditions. Laboratory tests confirmed that the material maintained structural integrity after exposure to ultraviolet radiation, corrosive agents, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. This positions the cement as a potential replacement for conventional building materials in both residential and commercial construction, particularly in regions experiencing extreme heat or temperature fluctuations.
New material reflects sunlight and releases heat
The new cement is classified as a photon-managing material due to its ability to manipulate solar radiation. Unlike traditional cement, which reflects roughly 30 percent of sunlight and absorbs the remainder as heat, this engineered cement reflects over 95 percent of visible light. The material also emits thermal radiation in the mid-infrared range, enabling buildings to dissipate heat naturally without mechanical cooling systems.
This development arrives amid rising global temperatures and increased energy consumption linked to air conditioning. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy use for space cooling has more than tripled since 1990, with the largest growth occurring in developing economies with hot climates. The new cement could offer a way to mitigate that trend by reducing demand on electrical grids and lowering carbon emissions from cooling systems.
Technology compatible with existing infrastructure
The researchers did not disclose the precise formulation of the cement, citing ongoing patent applications. However, they confirmed that the production process is compatible with existing manufacturing infrastructure, which could ease future adoption at scale. Pilot production and field testing are currently underway in select Chinese cities to evaluate long-term performance and cost-efficiency in real-world applications. The development is being closely watched by industry and government stakeholders focused on sustainable infrastructure and energy conservation.
If successfully commercialized, photon-structured cement could mark a pivotal shift in how buildings are constructed in the face of climate change and rising energy costs. This innovation adds to a growing field of passive cooling technologies, which aim to reduce energy consumption through design rather than mechanical intervention. The research team plans to publish further findings on the scalability and lifecycle performance of the cement later this year. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.