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Updated: Aug 19, 2025
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Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Metal Surfaces for Anti-Icing Applications
Published on: August 15, 2018
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Multifunctional Photothermal Phase-Change Superhydrophobic Film with Excellent Light-Thermal Conversion and
Longhai Song1, Chao Yang1,2, Siyuan Zhang1
1School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, P.R. China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|November 28, 2022
Summary
This study presents a new photothermal film that prevents ice formation even without sunlight. The multifunctional film uses stored heat to maintain its anti-icing properties, offering all-day ice protection.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Ice accumulation poses significant safety risks across various industries.
- Photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces offer eco-friendly anti-icing solutions but are limited by sunlight dependency.
- Existing methods struggle with consistent performance in low-light or no-light conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a photothermal superhydrophobic surface with improved anti-icing capabilities independent of direct sunlight.
- To enhance the energy storage and release mechanisms for continuous ice prevention.
- To create a durable and effective film for all-day ice mitigation.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a multifunctional photothermal phase-change superhydrophobic film (MPPSF) using a spraying technique.
- Incorporation of phase-change microcapsules (PCMs) for thermal energy storage and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for photothermal conversion.
- Evaluation of de-icing efficiency under near-infrared laser irradiation and anti-icing performance at -20 °C without external light.
Main Results:
- The MPPSF demonstrated rapid temperature increase from -20 °C to 130.1 °C under laser irradiation, enabling efficient de-icing.
- Phase-change microcapsules stored thermal energy, releasing latent heat to maintain anti-icing properties without sunlight.
- The film effectively inhibited ice formation for 10.1 minutes at -20 °C through synergistic superhydrophobicity and released latent heat.
Conclusions:
- The developed MPPSF overcomes the limitations of sunlight-dependent anti-icing surfaces.
- The combination of photothermal conversion and phase-change materials provides a robust solution for continuous ice prevention.
- This technology holds promise for all-day ice prevention and removal applications in diverse fields.
