A Flexible and High-Efficient Anti-Icing/Deicing Coating Based on Carbon Nanomaterials

Jianan Huang ¹, Zhilong Peng ¹, Bo Zhang ¹

⁰School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.

Acs Applied Materials & Interfaces +

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August 12, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study presents a flexible, low-energy anti-icing/deicing coating using carbon nanomaterials. The integrated coating offers efficient electrothermal and photothermal conversion, ensuring reliable freeze protection for various surfaces.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Surface Engineering

Background

Effective anti-icing and deicing solutions are crucial for engineering applications, demanding low energy consumption and high flexibility.
Existing methods often struggle with energy efficiency and adaptability to complex geometries.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop an active-passive-integrated anti-icing/deicing coating with enhanced flexibility and low energy requirements.
To leverage carbon nanomaterials for multifunctional surface properties including electrothermal and photothermal conversion.

Main Methods

Fabrication of a sandwich-structured coating with a carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene core, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layers, and TiN/SiO2 nanoparticle composite top layer.
Evaluation of electrothermal conversion efficiency, deicing speed, and performance under varying voltages and temperatures (-20 °C).
Assessment of coating durability through large bending deformations and cyclic bending tests.

Main Results

Achieved 90% electrothermal conversion efficiency with low voltage (2 V) for deicing at -20 °C within 400 s.
Demonstrated significant temperature increase (>100 °C) with 2.5 V, outperforming existing electrothermal methods.
Maintained excellent water repellency, electrical, and electrothermal properties after substantial bending, indicating superior flexibility and durability.

Conclusions

The developed coating offers high efficiency, low energy consumption, and all-weather adaptability for freeze protection.
Its excellent flexibility ensures effective anti-icing/deicing on both flat and curved surfaces.
The coating holds significant practical value for industrial equipment requiring robust freeze protection.

Keywords:

anti-icing/deicing coating carbon nanomaterials electrothermal/photothermal conversion flexibility superhydrophobicity