Hydrophobic Solid Photothermal Slippery Surfaces with Rapid Self-repairing, Dual Anti-icing/Deicing, and Excellent Stability Based on Paraffin and Etching

Jue Wei ¹, Siqi Yang ¹, Xin Xiao ¹

⁰Key Laboratory of Materials and Surface Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, People's Republic of China.

Langmuir : the Acs Journal of Surfaces and Colloids +

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March 25, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Researchers developed a stable, self-repairing solid photothermal slippery surface (SPSS) for efficient anti-icing and deicing. This innovative coating offers dual functionality and remarkable durability, addressing limitations of current technologies.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Surface Chemistry
Nanotechnology

Background

Ice and snow disasters pose significant economic and safety challenges globally.
Existing anti-icing/deicing coatings suffer from poor stability, fragility, and complex preparation.
There is a critical need for robust and efficient solutions for ice prevention and removal.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop a novel hydrophobic solid photothermal slippery surface (SPSS) with self-repairing capabilities.
To overcome the stability issues associated with traditional superhydrophobic surfaces.
To create a durable coating with dual anti-icing and deicing properties for practical applications.

Main Methods

Fabrication of a copper oxide (CuO) photothermal layer via chemical deposition and etching.
Impregnation of the CuO layer with stearic acid and solid paraffin wax to create the SPSS.
Evaluation of photothermal performance, self-repair time, deicing efficiency, and surface properties (CA, SA) under simulated conditions.

Main Results

The SPSS achieved a surface temperature increase to 80 °C under simulated light irradiation within 12 minutes.
Rapid self-repair was observed in 170 seconds, and complete ice melting at -15 °C occurred in 201 seconds.
The underlying surface maintained superhydrophobicity (CA: 154.1°, SA: 6.8°) even after paraffin loss, demonstrating robust anti-icing/deicing functionality.

Conclusions

The developed hydrophobic SPSS offers excellent stability, rapid self-repair, and efficient dual anti-icing/deicing capabilities.
This technology effectively addresses the limitations of fragile micro/nanostructured superhydrophobic surfaces.
The enhanced mechanical stability, durability, and self-cleaning properties present promising opportunities for long-term anti-icing/deicing applications.