A Fluorine-Free Superhydrophobic Micro-Nano Structured SiO₂/TiN Coating for Anti-icing and Photothermal Deicing

The icing phenomenon in nature can cause serious economic losses and security concerns. Eco-friendly anti-icing and deicing surfaces have been developed to address these issues. In this study, a photothermal superhydrophobic coating was fabricated by a facile polymerization process in the presence of micro-nano structured SiO₂/TiN particles followed by a two-step spraying technology. The optimal coating displays remarkable superhydrophobic performance with a water contact angle of 159.1° and a water roll-off angle as low as 1.2°; it survives tape peeling, Taber abrasion, and solution immersion and demonstrates weather and corrosion resistance. More importantly, the SiO₂/TiN coating shows excellent anti-icing/deicing property and can withstand multiple icing/thawing cycles. The excellent anti-icing/deicing performance is attributed to the robust superhydrophobic surface and the photothermal effect of TiN nanoparticles. Our fluorine-free design strategy provides important guidance for actual large-scale eco-friendly anti-icing/deicing application.