Robust Photothermal Icephobic Surface with Mechanical Durability of Multi‐Bioinspired Structures

Abstract

Photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces have the potential to become ideal anti‐/deicing surfaces due to their rapid water removal, icing delay, and photothermal deicing performance, yet the tedious manufacturing procedures, high cost, and inadequate durability restrict their large‐scale practical applications. Here, we show a robust photothermal icephobic surface with mechanical durability that is integrated with microspine array inspired by honeycomb and cactus thorn (i.e., MAHC), which is developed by a laser‐layered microfabrication strategy. The maximum stress on the microspine of the MAHC is reduced by ∼2/3, due to the protection of the bionic honeycomb structure. Even after 200 linear abrasions by a steel blade, the MAHC remains superior water repellency with a water contact angle of 150.7° and roll‐off angles of 10.3°, stable icing delay time (578.2 s), and rapidly photothermal deicing capabilities (401 s). As the MAHC is fabricated on curvature surface such as a copper alloy transmission line for an overhead high‐speed rail, a stably photothermal anti‐/deicing in a low‐temperature environment still can be achieved effectively. The freezing rain covering the functional transmission line completely slides off within 758 s under one sun illumination. This studying offers an insight into design of novel materials with stable anti‐icing/icephobic structures, which would be extended into some applied realms, e.g., transportation fields or power systems in cold or low‐temperature climate.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Robust and Superhydrophobic Polydimethylsiloxane/Ni@Ti3C2Tx Nanocomposite Coatings with Assembled Eyelash-Like Microstructure Array: A New Approach for Effective Passive Anti-Icing and Active Photothermal Deicing

“…Consequently, superhydrophobic surfaces possess unique advantages in preventing ice formation without the need for external intervention, making them highly favored for in anti-icing applications for outdoor static equipment such as traffic lights, power systems, and so forth. 13,14 However, existing superhydrophobic surfaces still face challenges as they are typically prepared using complex templating or multistep processes, making large-scale production difficult, complex, and time-consuming. 15−17 Additionally, acid rain, ultraviolet radiation, and pollutants can corrode or damage superhydrophobic surfaces, leading to surface damage or exposing parts of the substrate, causing the surface to lose its superhydrophobic characteristics or even become hydrophilic.…”

“…This characteristic helps prevent water droplets from freezing into ice, delaying ice formation, and reducing ice accumulation to some extent. Consequently, superhydrophobic surfaces possess unique advantages in preventing ice formation without the need for external intervention, making them highly favored for in anti-icing applications for outdoor static equipment such as traffic lights, power systems, and so forth. , However, existing superhydrophobic surfaces still face challenges as they are typically prepared using complex templating or multistep processes, making large-scale production difficult, complex, and time-consuming. − Additionally, acid rain, ultraviolet radiation, and pollutants can corrode or damage superhydrophobic surfaces, leading to surface damage or exposing parts of the substrate, causing the surface to lose its superhydrophobic characteristics or even become hydrophilic. , To enhance the durability of superhydrophobic surfaces, various methods and technologies have been developed, including the application of special coatings such as hard, self-cleaning, or scratch-resistant coatings to provide additional protective layers . Moreover, materials with high chemical corrosion resistance and wear resistance, such as stainless steel, ceramics, and fluoropolymers, can be used to construct surfaces with better durability .…”

Empowering Photovoltaic Panel Anti-Icing: Superhydrophobic Organic Composite Coating with In Situ Photothermal and Transparency

“…This accumulation severely impedes the effective operation of the photovoltaic panels. − Traditional deicing or anti-icing/frosting methods, such as mechanical deicing, electric heating, and chemical sprays, consume a lot of time and energy as well as pollute the environment. − The use of photothermal materials for solar anti-icing and deicing is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to address the icing problem on photovoltaic panels. This technology harnesses the power of sunshine to generate heat, effectively preventing ice and frost accumulation and melting existing ice and frost. − However, the inherent necessity of photothermal materials with high light absorption characteristics often results in their predominantly opaque and black appearance. − This is a crucial problem in situations where transparency is essential, such as surface photothermal coatings used in photovoltaic panels for anti-icing, antifrosting, and deicing applications.…”

Thermomechanically Resilient Polyionic Elastomers with Enhanced Anti-Icing Performances

“…These passive anti-icing surfaces can be subjected to ice-nonresponsive anti-icing surfaces and ice-responsive anti-icing surfaces based on the interaction between ice and surfaces . The ice-nonresponsive anti-icing surfaces are defined as surfaces only with intermolecular forces with ice, including superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs), − slippery lubricant-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) with unreactive oil, and anti-icing elastic materials. , For example, SHSs can delay ice formation and reduce ice adhesion, but ice will finally form and accrete on SHSs in the long term. − The SLIPS with unreactive oil show favorable anti-icing properties based on isolating ice and surfaces by liquid layer despite loss of lubricant. , The elastic anti-icing materials show an inherent low ice adhesion, showing promising anti-icing durability despite the reduced elastic modulus . These ice-nonresponsive surfaces can mitigate ice formation and/or accretion. − However, faced with practical applications for avoiding ice existing on surfaces, these surfaces cannot remove ice without an external force when the ice forms on these surfaces in the long term.…”