A Smart Slippery Surface with Reversible Dynamic Temperature Responsiveness for Long-Term Controllable Anti-Icing

Recently, slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS) is widely utilized for anti-icing. Nevertheless, a major challenge hindering the practical applications of SLIPS is the depletion of lubricating oil, significantly deteriorating its deicing performance. Given that super-slippery effects are not required during most non-icing periods, this research introduces a novel dynamic wettability-adjustable SLIPS anti-icing coating inspired by the nepenthes. This coating-comprising modified diatomaceous earth and soft silicone rubber-releases lubricating oil only when temperatures fall below −2 °C, thus exhibiting super-slippery characteristics and effectively preventing icing. The porous modified diatomaceous earth retains lubricating oil for prolonged periods and facilitates its controlled release under external forces. The high elasticity and strength of the soft silicone rubber endow the coating with thermal expansion and contraction capabilities, enabling the active absorption and release of lubricating fluid in response to temperature variations. This coating, prepared using a straightforward strategy, demonstrates an ice adhesion strength and an oil loss rate of less than 23 kPa and 13%, respectively, after 50 icing/de-icing cycles. These findings highlight the remarkable performance of the coating, providing valuable insights for achieving long-term anti-icing on the external surfaces of equipment in extreme working conditions.