All-day superhydrophobic photo-thermal and electro-thermal icephobic surfaces based on ZrN/MoSe2 composite

Ice formation on equipment and infrastructure surfaces can lead to severe damage and operational disruptions, necessitating advancements in passive anti-icing technologies to enhance de-icing efficiency. Superhydrophobic materials offer notable improvements, such as minimal water affinity and reduced ice adhesion. However, their practical application is hindered by limited durability and vulnerability to cold and humid conditions. This study presents the development of a micro-nanostructured ZrN/MoSe 2 photo-electrothermal superhydrophobic composite coating, which exhibits physical and chemical self-cleaning capabilities both day and night. This innovative coating rapidly heats due to the combined effects of solar absorption and Joule heating. It reaches 89.4 °C in 600 s under simulated sunlight and 81 °C with a 15 V electrical input in 300 s. With a contact angle exceeding 155°, it demonstrates superior self-cleaning abilities. Moreover, the coating retains its exceptional anti-icing and de-icing properties even after exposure to mechanical stress, abrasion, and harsh chemical environments. It can rapidly melt ice from surfaces in just 66 s at −20 °C under one sun, achieving a 76 % efficiency in photo-thermal de-icing. Electro-thermal de-icing tests reveal that the coating can melt ice in 55 s with an 87 % efficiency. These promising features, attributed to the unique properties of ZrN nanoparticles and MoSe 2 nanosheets, significantly provide substantial advancements in superhydrophobic coating technologies. They offer the potential for large-scale production and enhanced performance in ice management.