Tuning Ice Nucleation and Propagation with Counterions on Multilayer Hydrogels

Ice formation on solid surfaces includes heterogeneous ice nucleation and ice propagation processes. However, no study has been focused on tuning of both ice nucleation and ice propagation via a simple anti-icing coating method. In this work, we have prepared multilayer hydrogels based on simple layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition approach and discover the ion-specific effect on both ice nucleation and ice propagation. A large ice nucleation temperature window of 11 °C is controlled via changing different counterions; meanwhile, the differences in ice propagation time can be tuned up to 4 orders of magnitude. Through synergistically controlling of ice nucleation and propagation delay times, we can tune the freezing delay time of water droplets on multilayer hydrogel surfaces up to 3 orders of magnitude via changing various counterions. Considering the application requirements, these multilayer hydrogels are stable under different conditions and can be coated on various materials without destroying the existing surface. This new insight can inspire the design of anti-icing surfaces based on regulating both ice nucleation and ice propagation.