Abstract: Global energy consumption continues to rise, presenting a critical challenge. Thermal energy, as the primary form of energy use, accounts for approximately 51% of global final energy consumption. Consequently, developing high-efficiency thermal management technologies with low or even zero energy input has become an urgent challenge. As an emerging strategy, dynamic radiative thermal management (DRTM) exploits tunable spectral radiative properties of materials to achieve precise temperature control in response to environmental changes, thereby enhancing energy efficiency and thermal comfort. This review summarizes the fundamental principles of DRTM. Recognizing the limitations of existing classification schemes in encompassing the diversity of DRTM developments, this review proposes a novel framework that categorizes related studies into three categories: externally stimulated control, material intrinsic adaptive control and materials-structures synergistic optimization, the latter representing a key future development trend. On this basis, we discuss in detail the working mechanisms, recent research progress and representative material systems associated with each group. Particular emphasis is placed on comparing their performance in terms of solar absorptance, mid-to-far infrared bands emissivity modulation, and the ability to switch between different operating modes. The potential of synergistic optimization under various triggering stimuli is further analyzed with respect to modulation capability and accessible operating range, providing guidance for selecting suitable technological routes in different application scenarios. From a broader perspective, DRTM is expected to serve as a key technological pathway for the integrated development of the built environment, energy systems and intelligent materials.

Key words: dynamic radiative thermal management, thermal management, emissivity modulation, thermal radiation, review