Robust and Energy-Effective Electrothermal Superhydrophobic Film with Micro-Hexagonal Groove Array Structure for Anti/Deicing

Abstract

Electrothermal superhydrophobic films have shown considerable promise in anti/de-icing fields. However, their practical deployment is often hindered by limited durability and high energy consumption. This study proposes a robust electrothermal micro-hexagonal and grooved structure (e-MHGS) sandwich-like superhydrophobic film, wherein the upper layer's hexagonal framework effectively distributes mechanical stress, the grooved surface mitigates structural deformation, thus it exhibits stable superhydrophobicity even after 200 cycles of sandpaper abrasion, with the ice delay time decreasing by only 15% compared to its original state. Electrothermal materials are encapsulated at the interlayer for protection. Moreover, e-MHGS film's micro-structure and electrothermal effect cooperatively suppress the nucleation of microdroplets and ice crystals inside the structure at −20 °C, thereby it successfully inhibits ice formation at a low power density of 0.1 W cm−2 and achieves rapid deicing within 14 s at a power density of 0.25 W cm−2. Notably, the corresponding energy consumption is as low as 3.5 J cm−2, which is significantly lower than that reported in comparable studies. This work offers a promising strategy for the design of efficient, flexible, durable, and energy-saving anti/de-icing surfaces that are suitable for unmanned aerial vehicles.