Anti-icing/De-icing Performance of Photothermal Superhydrophobic TiO2/HWCNTs Composite Coatings

GUO Guijing; WANG Youqiang; ZHANG Haiyang; XU Ying; AN Kai

doi:10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2026.02.016

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Surface Technology ›› 2026, Vol. 55 ›› Issue (2) : 221-232. DOI: 10.16490/j.cnki.issn.1001-3660.2026.02.016

Functional Surfaces and Technology

Anti-icing/De-icing Performance of Photothermal Superhydrophobic TiO₂/HWCNTs Composite Coatings

GUO Guijing, WANG Youqiang^*, ZHANG Haiyang, XU Ying, AN Kai^*

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Abstract

To effectively mitigate the hazards associated with ice accretion on critical infrastructure and equipment, the work aims to present the development of innovative surface technologies tailored for anti-icing and de-icing applications. These technologies are designed to be highly efficient, energy-conserving, and environmentally sustainable. Central to this effort is the fabrication of a robust photothermal superhydrophobic composite coating based on titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and helical multi-walled carbon nanotubes (HWCNTs). This composite material exhibits exceptional chemical inertness and mechanical durability, making it particularly suitable for demanding surface applications where long-term stability is paramount.
The development process involved a systematic investigation to determine the optimal mass ratio of TiO₂ to HWCNTs. Key performance metrics, including surface wettability, photothermal conversion capability, and anti-icing/de-icing efficiency, were thoroughly evaluated to guide this optimization. The results demonstrated that a TiO₂/HWCNTs mass ratio of 1∶1 yielded the most favorable characteristics. At this optimal composition, the coating displayed superior superhydrophobicity, with a water contact angle reaching 157°, which facilitated the easy roll-off of water droplets and minimized ice adhesion.
A critical feature of this optimized coating was its outstanding photothermal performance. Under simulated solar irradiation equivalent to one sun (1 kW/m²), the surface temperature exhibited a rapid and substantial increase, soaring to 79.9 ℃ within a mere 200 s. This efficient conversion of light energy into heat was a cornerstone of the coating's de-icing function. The anti-icing performance was quantitatively assessed by measuring the ice delay time. Remarkably, the coating prolonged the onset of ice formation by a factor of 19.57 compared to an uncoated, bare substrate. Furthermore, in de-icing tests, the time required to melt and shed an accumulated ice layer was drastically reduced from 358 s on the bare substrate to just 42 s on the coated surface. This represented a significant enhancement in both preventing ice formation and facilitating its rapid removal. Beyond its primary anti-icing and de-icing functions, the composite coating also exhibited excellent multifunctional properties. Its inherent superhydrophobicity endowed it with notable antifouling and self-cleaning capabilities. Contaminants and dust particles were easily washed away by water droplets rolling across the surface, maintaining cleanliness and operational integrity with minimal maintenance.
In summary, an innovative TiO₂/HWCNTs-based photothermal superhydrophobic coating system is successfully presented. It offers a highly promising solution for efficient anti-icing and de-icing, even under extreme environmental conditions. By meticulously optimizing the material composition and the associated micro/nanoscale surface structure, this work elucidates the synergistic mechanism between efficient photothermal conversion and superhydrophobicity. The findings provide a novel and strategic approach to designing durable, multifunctional anti-icing coatings that can adapt to various environments. This strategy effectively overcomes the limitations inherent in conventional de-icing techniques, which often relies on high energy consumption, chemical sprays, or mechanical labor. Consequently, crucial theoretical understanding and technical foundations are established for advancing the next generation of anti-icing technologies. Its implications are significant for a wide range of fields, including aerospace vehicles, wind turbines, power transmission lines, polar exploration equipment, and offshore platforms, promising enhanced safety, reduced operational costs, and minimized environmental impact.

Key words

superhydrophobic surfaces / photothermal materials / anti-icing coatings / active de-icing / antifouling / self-cleaning materials

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GUO Guijing, WANG Youqiang, ZHANG Haiyang, XU Ying, AN Kai. Anti-icing/De-icing Performance of Photothermal Superhydrophobic TiO₂/HWCNTs Composite Coatings[J]. Surface Technology. 2026, 55(2): 221-232

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Funding

General project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52074161); Special Fund for Mount Taishan Scholar Project (tsqn202211177); Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation General Project (ZR2021ME063)