A Multi-layer Flexible Photothermal Titanium Nitride based Superhydrophobic Surface for Highly Efficient Anti-icing and De-icing

Abstract

Ice accumulation presents a significant challenge for various residential activities and industrial facilities. Most current de-icing methods are time-consuming and costly. Photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces have garnered significant attention in the field of anti-icing and de-icing due to their environmentally friendly and energy-saving characteristics. However, obtaining photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces with both reliable icing delay and effective photothermal de-icing capabilities under ultra-low temperatures (<-30℃) remains significantly challenging. In this study, we prepared a multilayer flexible photothermal TiN-based superhydrophobic surface (ML-SHs), comprising an FAS@SiO2/TiN superhydrophobic layer and a PDMS/Triton X-100 flexible supporting layer. The optimal ML-SHs exhibits excellent superhydrophobicity (water contact angle of 162.7°and sliding angle of 2°), achieves an average light absorption of 95.6%, and generates a substantial surface temperature increase of 80.2℃ under 1 sun illumination. Droplets easily roll off the ML-SHs at -10℃ without solar illumination and at -35℃ under 1 sun illumination, demonstrating excellent passive anti-icing capability. Due to its excellent photothermal conversion and thermal constraint capabilities, the accumulated ice layer on ML-SHs rapidly melts within 450 seconds at -20℃ under 1 sun illumination. ML-SHs also possesses self-cleaning properties, mechanical durability, and chemical stability, ensuring the usability of superhydrophobic surfaces in harsh conditions. Our study may offer a novel approach for the design and fabrication of photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces, facilitating efficient passive anti-icing and active de-icing in practical applications.