Femtosecond laser composite manufactured double-bionic micro-nano structure for efficient photothermal anti-icing/deicing

• Published in: Materials horizons 2024-07, Vol.11 (15), p.3561-3572
• Main Authors: Xuan, Sensen, Yin, Huan, Li, Guoqiang, Yang, Yi, Wang, Yuan, Liu, Jiasong, Liu, Senyun, Li, Xiaohong, Song, Yuegan, Wu, Tingni, Yin, Kai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesive strength; Antireflection coatings; Bionics; Deicing; Design optimization; Efficiency; Ice removal; Laser ablation; Photothermal conversion; Polar bears; Thermal radiation; Wings (aircraft)
• ISSN: 2051-6347; 2051-6355; 2051-6355
• DOI: 10.1039/d4mh00500g

The solar anti-icing/deicing (SADI) strategy represents an environmentally friendly approach for removing ice efficiently. However, the extensive use of photothermal materials could negatively impact financial performance. Therefore, enhancing light utilization efficiency, especially by optimizing the design of a structure with a low content of photothermal materials, has rapidly become a focal point of research. Drawing inspiration from the antireflective micro-nano structure of compound eyes and the thermal insulating hollow structure of polar bear hair, we proposed a new strategy to design a bionic micro-nano hollow film (MNHF). The MNHF was created using a composite manufacturing process that combines femtosecond laser ablation with template transfer techniques. Both theoretical simulations and empirical tests have confirmed that this structure significantly improves photothermal conversion efficiency and thermal radiation capability. Compared to plane film, the photothermal conversion efficiency of MNHF is increased by 45.85%. Under 1.5 sun, the equilibrium temperature of MNHF can reach 73.8 °C. Moreover, even after 10 icing-deicing cycles, MNHF maintains an ultra-low ice adhesion strength of 1.8 ± 0.3 kPa. Additionally, the exceptional mechanical stability, chemical resistance, and self-cleaning capabilities of the MNHF make its practical application feasible. This innovative structure paves the way for designing cost-effective and robust surfaces for efficient photothermal anti-icing/deicing on airplane wings. A micro-nano hollow composite film (MNHF) was endowed with remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency and ice-phobic properties by a double-bionic structure under a low content of photothermal material, featuring efficient anti-icing/deicing.