Source: Advanced Functional Materials

Published: 30 March 2026

DOI: 10.1002/adfm.75190

IF: 19

Abstract: Insect sex pheromones, though widely used as eco-friendly pest control agents, are highly volatile, and elevated temperatures shorten their field longevity. Passive radiative cooling (PRC) materials provide a means to passively lower temperatures and stabilize these volatiles. Here we report a core–shell nanofiber film (PPSZ) composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride), polyacrylonitrile, and SiO2/ZnO nanoparticles that combines PRC with sustained pheromone release. The PPSZ film achieved a high solar reflectance (∼94%) and mid-infrared emissivity (∼86%), providing daytime cooling of ∼5.5°C below ambient. This cooling effect, coupled with nanoparticle-mediated diffusion control, extended pheromone release to ∼104 days indoors and ∼62 days outdoors. Pheromone molecular diffusion simulations and interaction energy analyses revealed strong interfacial interactions between the pheromone and the carrier, supporting the slowed release. The PPSZ film also exhibited robust stability under prolonged UV exposure, high humidity, heat, and ozone stress. Importantly, the effective sustained release of PPSZ was also demonstrated biologically, sustaining insect electrophysiological activity for at least 90 days and effective field trapping for at least 8 weeks. In this work, we demonstrated that integrating PRC and controlled-release capabilities in the nanocomposite material markedly prolonged pheromone longevity under environmental stress, offering a promising strategy for sustainable pheromone-based pest management.