Robust Photothermal Icephobic Surface with Mechanical Durability of Multi-Bioinspired Structures

Photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces are potential to become ideal anti-/deicing surfaces due to their rapid water removal, icing delay, and photothermal deicing performance. Here, a robust photothermal icephobic surface with mechanical durability is shown that is integrated with a microspine array inspired by honeycomb and cactus thorn (i.e., MAHC), which is developed by a laser-layered microfabrication strategy. The maximum stress on the microspine of the MAHC is reduced by ≈2/3, due to the protection of the bionic honeycomb structure. Even after 200 linear abrasions by a steel blade, the MAHC remains superior water repellency with a water contact angle of 150.7° and roll-off angles of 10.3°, stable icing delay time (578.2 s), and rapidly photothermal deicing capabilities (401 s). As the MAHC is fabricated on a curvature surface such as a copper alloy transmission line for an overhead high-speed rail, a stable photothermal anti-/deicing in a low-temperature environment still can be achieved effectively. The freezing rain covering the functional transmission line completely slides off within 758 s under one sun illumination. This studying offers insight into the design of novel materials with stable anti-icing/icephobic structures, which would be extended into some applied realms, for example, transportation fields or power systems in cold or low-temperature climates.