Multi-durability de-icing performance of a highly transparent and selective photothermal coating with a...

With the growing demand for anti-/de-icing technologies, transparent photothermal coatings have garnered substantial research interest. However, realizing the optimization between the transparency and photothermal properties, as well as enhancing the anti-/de-icing performance, remains a critical challenge. Herein, we propose a novel strategy for designing a transparent photothermal coating (TPC), which pioneers a bionic nano-interface-infused structure inspired by the synergy of the corneal epithelium and tear film. The TPC exhibits optimized transparency and photothermal properties, achieving a photothermal temperature increment of ∼40.5 °C while maintaining 82.3% transmittance and high clarity. The combination of the photothermal effect, ultra-smooth surface and low surface energy of the TPC exhibits comprehensive anti-/de-icing performance. The TPC enables de-icing within 332-404 s under the conditions of 1000 W m^-2 solar irradiation at -20 °C and within 196-262 s under the conditions of 800 W m^-2 UV or IR irradiation at -20 °C. Furthermore, the robust TPC maintains its initial anti-/de-icing performance after undergoing various durability tests (UV aging, acid corrosion, alkali corrosion, water impingement, sand drop, wear, deep cooling, freezing cycle, high-temperature shock and high-temperature cycle). This study provides insights into the design of anti-/de-icing coatings, with potential applications in energy systems, aerospace components, and optical equipment.