Recent Progress and Development Trends in the Research and Application of Anti‐Icing Coatings

Annual global economic losses from equipment icing exceed USD 180 billion, with indirect losses being even harder to quantify. Coatings are a highly effective method for preventing equipment from freezing. This paper reviews the research progress of anti-icing coatings and analyzes future development trends. It evaluates the anti-icing capabilities of superhydrophobic coatings, slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS), and energy-conversion coatings based on their material characteristics and anti-icing mechanisms. Furthermore, the paper examines the anti-icing applications of single-and multifunctional coatings, assesses the advantages and disadvantages of their preparation technologies and material properties, and identifies the main problems in practical applications of current anti-icing coatings. Finally, it highlights the potential of active anti-icing functional coatings, particularly energy-conversion coatings. Through interdisciplinary material innovation and technological exploration, these coatings could enable all-weather and sustainable anti-icing solutions.