Versatile Melanin-Like Coatings with Hierarchical Structure toward Personal Thermal Management, Anti-Icing/Deicing, and UV Protection

Abstract

Superhydrophobic photothermal coatings are promising for multifunctional applications due to the efficient use of solar energy, but the current challenge is to seek one easy-to-prepare material with high photothermal performance. Herein, inspired by mussel adhesion and lotus leaf surfaces, we developed superhydrophobic photothermal coatings with hierarchical structure by depositing melanin-like polydopamine (PDA) and dip-coating polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/hydrophobic fumed silica (SiO2) sequentially. Benefitting from the efficient photothermal conversion performance of PDA, the coated fabric can rapidly warm up to 100 °C under 100 mW/cm2 sun irradiation. Meanwhile, the coatings show excellent superhydrophobic properties (WCA of 163°), which not only prevent the adhesion of the contaminant from maintaining a long-term and efficient photothermal performance but also help the fabric to own outstanding passive anti-icing and active deicing performances. Furthermore, the superhydrophobic properties of the coatings can be maintained after sandpaper abrasion, repeat tape-peeling, and ultrasonication. In addition, superior UV protection of the coatings can meet the long-term service conditions under outdoor sunlight. The PDA-based superhydrophobic photothermal coatings are believed to inspire new strategies for solar-driven multifunctional applications such as personal thermal management, anti-icing/deicing of variously shaped components, photothermal antibacterial, and so on.

High-Efficient Anti-Icing/Deicing Method Based on Graphene Foams

“…Increasing the light intensity could certainly lead to an increase of the surface temperature of the GFPC sample with a finite content of TiN nanoparticles, as shown in Figure c. The peak surface temperature of the GFPC-15% sample changes from 44.6 to 90.2 °C when the light intensity increases from 0.5 to 2.0 sun, indicating a good photothermal conversion efficiency similar to that of existing studies. ,, Such a photothermal conversion performance also shows a satisfactory stability during many light-on/light-off cycles, as depicted in Figure d.…”

“…The peak surface temperature of the GFPC-15% sample changes from 44.6 to 90.2 °C when the light intensity increases from 0.5 to 2.0 sun, indicating a good photothermal conversion efficiency similar to that of existing studies. 40,56,60 Such a photothermal conversion performance also shows a satisfactory stability during many light-on/light-off cycles, as depicted in Figure 7d.…”

Ag Nanoparticles-Coated Shish-Kebab Superstructure Film for Wearable Heater

“…Figure f illustrates the transmittance curves of SKF, PSKF, and PASKF, revealing certain discrepancies between them. The absorption peaks observed at 3355, 3357, and 1610 cm –1 can be attributed to the stretching vibrations of −OH and N–H, providing further evidence of the successful attachment of PDA to the surface of SKF. , …”

A Hierarchically Nanofibrous Self-Cleaning Textile for Efficient Personal Thermal Management in Severe Hot and Cold Environments

“…In recent years, radiative thermal management technology, which has the advantages of no energy consumption and zero emissions, has sparked immense attention in many different fields. − Radiative thermal management focuses on the regulation of two types of radiative heat fluxes involving solar radiation from the sun and infrared radiation into the outer space. , Specifically, radiative cooling can be achieved via enhancing the reflectivity in the solar spectrum and increasing the emissivity in the atmospheric window. , Similarly, radiative heating is achieved under the opposite optical conditions . There have been some attempts to investigate the potential of functionalized textiles for personal thermal management, and most research has focused on localized temperature regulation through advanced textiles with single or dual-mode capabilities. − For instance, by adjusting the optical properties based on the surface of the textiles, single temperature-controlled textiles are prepared that can effectively achieve personal radiative cooling or radiative heating performances. − Additionally, dynamic temperature control textiles, such as Janus textiles, and temperature or humidity responsive textiles can meet personal thermal regulation. Nonetheless, these textiles are usually not appropriate for use in severely hot and cold environments owing to their limited temperature regulation capabilities, which could cause heat/cold stress and serious medical emergencies .…”