Photothermal MOF-Based Multifunctional Coating with Passive and Active Protection Synergy

Superhydrophobic surfaces with outstanding liquid-repellent properties have potential applications in anti-icing, self-cleaning, and corrosion protection, which rely on a stable gas–liquid interface and low surface energy for passive protection. However, there are still challenges in overcoming physical damage of the superhydrophobic surface and integrating self-healing and active deicing properties to boost their practical application. Here, we report a photothermal MOF-based superhydrophobic coating with synergistic protective functions of passive liquid-repellent properties (for self-cleaning, anti-icing, and anticorrosion) and active photothermal responsiveness (for deicing and photothermal self-healing). The multifunctional coating was prepared by the spray-coating method, in which fluoridated photothermal ferrocene-MOF nanosheets and SiO2 nanoparticles were applied in epoxy resin to develop their versatility. Passive liquid-repellent properties of the superhydrophobic surface caused high-efficiency removal of solid and liquid contaminants, freezing delay of droplets, and corrosion resistance. Moreover, rapid active deicing performance was achieved without damaging the textural structure of the coating. Importantly, the superhydrophobicity of the surface was maintained after mechanical abrasion. Also, the liquid-repellent properties of the plasma-etched coating recovered rapidly with light illumination due to the photothermal-induced migration of fluorosilane chains. Therefore, the synergy of passive liquid-repellent properties and active photothermal responsiveness provides a strategy for the design of multifunctional coating.