Super photothermal/electrothermal response and anti-icing/deicing capability of superhydrophobic multi-walled carbon nanotubes/epoxy coating

Abstract

Ice accumulation on wind turbine blades poses a significant threat to the efficiency and safety of wind turbines, necessitating urgent solutions through effective anti-icing/deicing strategies. In this study, superhydrophobic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/epoxy coating for anti-icing application was developed. The coatings exhibited super photothermal and electrothermal response by integrating the superhydrophobic capability of MWCNTs, which are ideal for all-weather anti-icing/deicing applications. The superhydrophobic coating in the ratio of MWCNTs/epoxy resin 1:4 exhibited a water CA of 154.3° and SA of 5.7°, respectively. The temperature of the superhydrophobic coating increased to 45.4 °C (300 s) and 89.5 °C (200 s) at 1.5 sun and 25 V, respectively. The coating exhibited a static delayed frost time of 1790 s and achieved photothermal fast defrosting (1.5 sun, 237 s) and electrothermal fast defrosting (25 V, 35 s), respectively. Furthermore, it demonstrated delayed icing times of 988 s, 579 s, and 264 s at − 10 °C, −15 °C, and − 20 °C, respectively. The coating showed efficient abilities of photothermal fast deicing (1.5 sun, 175 s) and electrothermal fast deicing (25 V, 65 s) as well. The superhydrophobic coating restored the Cassie-Baxter state after melting ice droplets into water droplets through photothermal and electrothermal stimulation. Moreover, the superhydrophobic coating demonstrated exceptional dynamic anti-icing performance even in a low-temperature and humid environments.