AFP-Based Anti-Icing Coatings: Present Challenges and Future Opportunities

Abstract

To address ice-induced hazards on outdoor infrastructures, anti-icing coatings that inhibit ice nucleation, propagation, adhesion, and water condensation are currently being developed. Throughout the evolution of organisms, antifreeze proteins (AFPs) protect organisms that thrive in sub-zero and ice-rich environments. With the gradual elucidation of the mechanism of AFPs, notably the discovery of the non-ice-binding face (NIBF) of AFPs with regular structures capable of depressing ice nucleation, AFPs have begun to demonstrate great potential in anti-icing coatings. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of anti-icing coatings and discuss the possibility of introducing AFPs into anti-icing coatings, especially the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based anti-icing coating. Furthermore, some rules about selecting or designing AFPs for anti-icing coatings will be explained. In short, the robust property, stability and ability to depress ice nucleation of AFPs, as well as the intermiscibility of AFPs in the precursor solution are of first consideration in the selection and design of AFPs.