Photothermal hydrophobic coating with light-trapping and thermal isolated effects for efficient photothermal anti-icing/de-icing

Photothermal materials with self-heating properties are ideal for future anti-icing strategies due to their abilities of reducing the consumption of non-renewable energy and prevent environmental pollution. However, a series of issues including the difficult-to-obtain raw materials, complex preparation techniques and unavoidable heat loss limit the application of photothermal materials in the field of anti-icing. In this work, we provide a strategy for delayed icing and rapid de-icing using a photothermal hydrophobic surface and thermal isolated porous layer. The ubiquitous carbon micro-spheres produced by combustion is used as the photothermal material, which is also as the structural support for the rough surface, providing hydrophobic and efficient light-absorbing performance for the coating. The thermal isolated porous layer prepared by evaporation-induced phase separation can restrict heat transmission to the substrate at maximum, which ensures a prominent increase in the surface temperature of the coating. Under simulated sunlight irradiation, the surface temperature of the prepared coating reached about 95.4 °C for 600 s at room temperature, and the ice layer on the surface of the coating melted in only 55 s at −10 °C. In addition, the hydrophobicity of the coating gives the surface excellent self-cleaning properties, providing the necessary conditions for long term efficient photothermal performance. Thanks to easily available materials, convenient preparation techniques and high energy efficiency, this photothermal hydrophobic coating offers great potential for practical anti/de-icing applications.