Electrothermal/photothermal superhydrophobic coatings based on micro/nano graphite flakes for efficient anti-icing and de-icing

Currently, a series of anti/de-icing coatings that combine active and passive methods can take advantage of various energy sources to significantly improve anti/de-icing efficiency. However, the preparation of multifunctional coatings often relies on complex preparation techniques, expensive raw materials and additional control systems, which limit the practical application of such ice mitigation strategies. This study combined active and passive ice mitigation methods to construct an electrothermal/photothermal superhydrophobic coating. According to the laminar distribution of graphite molecules, micro/nano-scale flaky graphite particles are produced by a convenient mechanical wiping method, which provide the coating with superhydrophobicity, electrothermal and photothermal properties at the same time through a strong binding effect with PDMS. The dynamic, static anti/de-icing performances and the reliability of the electrical/photothermal properties of the coating are experimentally verified. This multifunctional ice mitigation strategy avoids complex control systems and cumbersome preparation processes, providing a new and viable path to effective anti/de-icing.