Fabrication of a superhydrophobic surface with photothermal electrical conversion performance for anti-icing

Abstract

The development of anti-icing technology is an effective way to decrease the harm caused by ice accumulation on the surface of materials. In this work, the polypropylene with candle soot and micro-nano structures on its surface (the PP/CS replica) is prepared using a template method. The micro-nano structures are formed on the PP/CS replica surface after hot-pressing. The surface water contact angle of the PP/CS replica is up to 163° and the rolling angle is as low as 2°. The PP/CS replica still has superhydrophobic performance after water flow impact, friction and immersion. The freezing time of the water droplet is delayed and the ice adhesion strength is reduced on the PP/CS replica surface, owing to the micro-nano structures. The PP/CS replica surface has excellent photothermal performance, and the surface temperature can reach 89 °C under simulated sunlight illumination, which accelerates the melting of ice. The photothermal electrical conversion is achieved by the combination of the PP/CS replica and the thermoelectric generator, with an output power up to 604 mW. The solar energy can be effectively utilized.