Charge transfer and thermal conduction mechanisms in superhydrophobic Gr-TiO₂ photothermal coatings for high-efficiency deicing
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In response to the surface icing issues of infrastructure and industrial equipment in extreme low-temperature environments, this study overcomes the energy consumption and durability limitations of traditional anti-icing/de-icing technologies by developing a scalable photothermal-superhydrophobic dual-functional composite coating. The coating is constructed through a “surface-anchored assembly” strategy: graphene (Gr) with few layers is used as the photothermal conversion core, which is modified by polydopamine (PDA) and covalently bonded with octyltriethoxysilane (OTES)-modified titanium dioxide (TiO₂). This is then anchored onto a semi-cured epoxy resin matrix, achieving efficient enrichment and firm binding of functional particles on the surface. The resulting coating exhibits both broad-spectrum photothermal response and mechanically stable superhydrophobic properties (static contact angle >155°, − <5°), significantly enhancing anti-icing/de-icing performance. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the charge transfer mechanism driven by the work function difference (ΔΦ = 0.64 eV) at the Gr-TiO₂ interface, explaining the enhanced photothermal performance at the microscopic level. Moreover, the heat transfer mechanism during the anti-icing/de-icing process is analyzed through a thermal conduction model. This work provides an efficient, stable, and scalable solution for anti-icing/de-icing in extreme environments through a three-dimensional synergy of material design, process innovation, and mechanism analysis.
Source: Progress in Organic Coatings
Authors: Yi Li, Hao Sun, Xinpeng Li, Baojun Lin, Hongyi Liu, Ce Liang
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,350
Award: G246938265
OpenAlex ID: W4415818614