Robust Multiscale‐Nanoconfinement Photothermal Slippery Polyurea Coatings: Enabling Efficient Anti‐ and De‐Icing Under Weak Solar Irradiance

ABSTRACT Photothermal slippery liquid‐infused porous surfaces lack durable anti‐icing performance in practical applications, owing to insufficient photothermal conversion under weak solar irradiance, lubricant loss in dynamic conditions, or poor mechanical robustness. An innovative bionic “Yin–Yang coupling” principle was proposed, mimicking the rigid skeletons and flexible muscles of organisms. “Yin” regulates dynamic functions, whereas “Yang” ensures functional integrity. Based on this, photothermal F–SiO 2 @carbon aerogel@hollow SiO 2 (FSi@CAA@HSi) aerogel microspheres with micro/nano/nano multiscale nanoconfinement were fabricated. HSi (“Yang”—rigid) optimizes photothermal conduction and inhibits CAA aggregation. CAA and F–SiO 2 nanodomains (“Yin”—flexible) anchor photothermal components and enhance light absorption. Combined with silicone oil (“Yin”—lubricant) and polyurea (“Yang”—rigid / “Yin”—flexible), a robust photothermal slippery polyurea coating (PSPC) was prepared. Multiscale nanoconfinement suppresses component migration and oil leakage, securing PSPC's durability. In simulated environments, the PSPC exhibits: (i) excellent photothermal performance (reaching 42.2°C in 300 s under 0.15 sun); (ii) good slipperiness (sliding angle <10°); (iii) high robustness (stable photothermal performance after 2000 abrasion cycles). It also shows excellent dynamic anti‐icing performance, with no ice formation after 3600 s dynamic conditions. This design enables scalable, energy‐efficient anti/de‐icing capabilities in real‐world conditions, offering significant potential for use in wind turbines.