Breaking the ice: Applications of photothermal superhydrophobic materials for efficient deicing strategies

The accumulation of ice on the surfaces of devices has long been a significant concern for human life and production. The icing of aircraft surfaces can alter the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft, reducing its controllability and decrease the flight range. Ice buildup on wind turbine blades significantly reduces power generation efficiency. Preventing ice accumulation has thus become a focal point of research. Photothermal superhydrophobic materials are characterized by efficient photothermal energy conversion upon irradiation, thus showing promise for applications in the energy-, civil- or aerospace-engineering sectors. Photothermal superhydrophobic materials are promise to be a safe, reliable and cost-effective anti-icing/deicing strategies. In this review, the design concepts, preparation methods, performance characteristics, and application areas of different types of photothermal superhydrophobic materials are discussed. After elucidating anti-icing mechanisms, the superhydrophobic photothermal material state-of-the-art is reviewed. The problems encountered in the practical application of photothermal superhydrophobic materials and challenges to be addressed in the future are also analyzed and discussed.