Robust and Ultra-Efficient Anti-/De-Icing Surface Engineered Through Photo-/Electrothermal Micro-Nanostructures With Switchable Solid-Liquid States

Abstract

Photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces present a promising energy-saving solution for anti-/de-icing, offering effective icing delay and photothermal de-icing capabilities. However, a significant challenge in their practical application is the mechanical interlocking of micro-nanostructures with ice formed from condensed water vapor, leading to meltwater retention and compromised functionality post-de-icing. Here, a robust photo-/electrothermal icephobic surface with dynamic phase-transition micro-nanostructures are demonstrated through laser microfabrication and surface engineering. The engineered surface exhibits ultra-efficient, long-term stable anti-/de-icing performance and excellent superhydrophobicity, demonstrating an icing delay of ≈ 1250 s, photothermal de-icing in 8 s, water contact angle of 165°, and sliding angle of 0.2°. Furthermore, the surface maintains efficient anti-/de-icing ability and water repellency after 400 linear abrasion cycles under 0.93 MPa. Remarkably, under simulated natural icing conditions, where water vapor freezes within the micro-nanostructures causing mechanical interlocking, the surface remains entirely non-wetted after photo-/electrothermal de-icing, maintaining superhydrophobicity and effectiveness for continued anti-/de-icing. This exceptional performance is attributed to the designed phase-transition micro-nanostructures that liquefy during de-icing, significantly reducing interactions with water molecules, as quantitatively validated by molecular dynamics simulations. This work provides new perspectives and methodologies for designing and creating innovative, high-performance anti-/de-icing surfaces.