Ammoniated Ti3C2 enhanced polyurethane for thermal hydrophobic anti-icing/de-icing and self-healing protective coatings

Exploring the polar regions is essential, and anti-icing/de-icing coatings have been developed to mitigate the risk of ice formation. Despite less attention given to their durability and corrosion resistance, expanding the application scope of such coatings is crucial. This study uses a solvothermal method to establish chemical bonds between NH 2 -Ti 3 C 2 and polyurethane, constructing anti-icing/de-icing coatings with corrosion resistance and self-healing properties, effectively resisting mechanical damage and extending service life. Density functional theory has been employed to elucidate the modification mechanisms of -O and -OH groups on Ti 3 C 2 T x attacked by NH 4 + , and photothermal testing has confirmed the enhanced photothermal properties of NH 2 -Ti 3 C 2 . Coatings with synergistic photothermal and hydrophobic effects cause ice to detach from the surface within 300 s and frost to mostly dissipate within 355 s. Mechanisms hindering the diffusion of corrosive media by coatings are revealed through room temperature and low-temperature electrochemical experiments. Damaged coatings undergo repair via Diels-Alder reactions under photothermal action, maintaining effective corrosion resistance for 30 d. This multifunctional coating provides an effective protection approach for polar metals. • DFT calculations reveal the amination mechanism of NH 4 + attacking ‒OH and ‒O. • ‒NH 2 enhances the stability and photothermal performance of Ti 3 C 2 . • PUNT coating removes ice within 300 s at −20 °C. • Coating protects metals against corrosion at 4 °C. • Coating self-healing within 300 s and cold-resistant.