Robust Stick‐and‐Play Photothermal Icephobic Film with Bioinspired Insulation Cells

Abstract The integration of photothermal de‐icing and micro/nanostructured anti‐icing technologies into a surface is regarded as a promising solution to solve ice accretion aggravated. Unfortunately, light‐dependent heat effect and large‐scale production of micro/nano building still challenge the anti‐icing ability and applications for real‐world. Herein, a stick‐and‐play film embedded with bioinspired thermal‐management cells is developed. Inspired by the hollow framework of lotus seedpods, thermal‐management hydrophobic microcells (THMC) are designed by incorporating candle soot into insulating porous diatomite. Once embedding such microcells into PDMS substrate, the resulting THMC film delivers effective photothermal effect since the synergy of photothermal and insulation design. COMSOL simulations demonstrate thermal management effect of the “framework” and “photothermal seeds,” which causes increases in the heating rate by 20% and equilibrium temperature by 10%. Moreover, the self‐similarity structure of THMCs enable them to have durable hydrophobicity (148.7°) and photothermal effect (79.9 °C) even after repeated abrasions. When a stick‐and‐play functionality is imparted by designing adjustable milli‐suction cups, this THMC film could adhere effectively to various surfaces despite dry and humid conditions while maintaining efficient anti‐/de‐icing capabilities. This study provides a designing strategy of robust and efficient photothermal films constructed from THMC and finds flexible use for diverse surfaces.