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Robust and Ultra-Efficient Anti-/De-Icing Surface Engineered Through Photo-/Electrothermal Micro-Nanostructures With
Qiuyue Liu1, Yunpeng Wang2, Xihuan Liu1
1College of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, P. R. China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|November 21, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a novel icephobic surface that prevents ice buildup and efficiently melts ice using light or electricity. Its unique micro-nanostructures avoid ice interlocking, ensuring lasting anti-icing performance and water repellency.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces offer energy-saving anti-/de-icing solutions.
- Mechanical interlocking of ice with micro-nanostructures hinders practical application by causing meltwater retention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust photo-/electrothermal icephobic surface with dynamic phase-transition micro-nanostructures.
- To overcome the challenge of ice interlocking and ensure long-term functionality of anti-/de-icing surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Laser microfabrication and surface engineering to create dynamic phase-transition micro-nanostructures.
- Experimental testing for icing delay, photothermal de-icing, superhydrophobicity (contact angle, sliding angle), and abrasion resistance.
- Molecular dynamics simulations to validate the mechanism of reduced water-molecule interaction.
Main Results:
- Engineered surface demonstrates ultra-efficient, stable anti-/de-icing performance.
- Achieved icing delay of ≈ 1250 s, photothermal de-icing in 8 s, water contact angle of 165°, and sliding angle of 0.2°.
- Maintained performance after 400 abrasion cycles and remained non-wetted under simulated natural icing conditions.
Conclusions:
- The designed phase-transition micro-nanostructures liquefy during de-icing, minimizing ice interactions and ensuring sustained superhydrophobicity.
- This work provides novel perspectives and methodologies for high-performance anti-/de-icing surface design.
- The developed surface offers a promising solution for practical anti-/de-icing applications.
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