Multifunctional Surface Research Articles

MXene Hydrogels for Soft Multifunctional Sensing: A Synthesis-Centric Review.

Intelligent wearable sensors based on MXenes hydrogels are rapidly advancing the frontier of personalized healthcare management. MXenes, a new class of transition metal carbon/nitride synthesized only a decade ago, have proved to be a promising candidate for soft sensors, advanced human-machine interfaces, and biomimicking systems due to their controllable and high electrical conductivity, as well as their unique mechanical properties as derived from their atomistically thin layered structure. In addition, MXenes' biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and antifouling properties render them particularly suitable to synergize with hydrogels into a composite for mechanoelectrical functions. Nonetheless, while the use of MXene as a multifunctional surface or an electrical current collector such as an energy device electrode is prevalent, its incorporation into a gel system for the purpose of sensing is vastly less understood and formalized. This review provides a systematic exposition to the synthesis, property, and application of MXene hydrogels for intelligent wearable sensors. Specific challenges and opportunities on the synthesis of MXene hydrogels and their adoption in practical applications are explicitly analyzed and discussed to facilitate cross gemination across disciplines to advance the potential of MXene multifunctional sensing hydrogels.

Fabrication of an Antibacterial/Anticoagulant Dual-Functional Surface for Left Ventricular Assist Devices via Mussel-Inspired Polydopamine Chemistry.

Infections and thrombosis remain unsolved problems for implanted cardiovascular devices, such as left ventricular assist devices. Hence, the development of surfaces with improved blood compatibility and antimicrobial properties is imperative to reduce complications after artificial heart implantation. In this work, we report a novel approach to fabricate multifunctional surfaces for left ventricular transplanted ventricular assist devices (LVADs) by immobilizing nitric oxide (NO) generation catalysts and heparin and reducing silver nanoparticles in situ. The general view, structure, and chemical compositions of the pure/modified surfaces were characterized using digital imaging, scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), water contact angle (WCA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP). All of the results demonstrated that the AgNPs and heparin were successfully immobilized on the surface. The Cu ions and NO release experimental results showed that the immobilized copper ions could catalyze the production of NO from S-nitrosothiols within the biological system. Meanwhile, due to the synergistic anticoagulant effect of NO and surface-immobilized heparin, the fabricated modified surfaces exhibited antiplatelet adhesion activities and good hemocompatibility. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of the samples was evaluated by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and cytocompatibility was measured using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The results demonstrated that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) immobilized by surface reduction reaction did not cause any significant inhibition of cell proliferation while providing stable and effective antimicrobial properties. We envision that this simple surface modification strategy with bifunctional activities of antimicrobial and anticoagulant will find widespread use in clinically used indwelling left ventricular assist devices.

Physical, optical properties and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles: Nanoclusters to nanoparticles formation on glass substrate by in-situ annealing

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) formed on in-situ annealed microscopic glass substrates from silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) generated by DC magnetron sputtering with inert gas condensation (IGC) technique. The substrate’s annealing temperature was below and above the glass transition temperature of 500 ºC and 600 ºC. The influence of annealing temperature on the surface morphology was studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) were employed to investigate the surface composition, chemical states, and electronic states of the AgNPs on the glass substrates. On the in-situ annealed glass substrate at 500 ºC, the produced AgNPs revealed accumulation and aggregation. For in-situ annealed at 600 ºC, a homogeneous distribution of AgNPs on the glass substrate was witnessed. The refractive index test revealed that AgNPs deposition at 600 ºC achieved higher sensitivity with 27nm/RIU (Refractive index unit). The antibacterial activity of AgNPs was also investigated using Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus. In contrast, better antibacterial activity was obtained with in-situ annealing at 500 ºC, where 4-fold reductions compared with the control sample. Pre-determined properties can be precisely executed to achieve the desired performance as the so-called application-oriented engineered surface in the UHV system is established. This research highlighted the differences between two different annealing temperatures' effect on the base substrate material, which subsequently impacts the structure of AgNPs and their applications. Furthermore, the outcome of this work could contribute to the multifunctional surface for detecting heavy metals, various organic pollutants, and disinfection of water and food-borne pathogenic diseases.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Engineered by Multicomponent Coassembled DNA Nanofibers for Enhanced Wound Healing.

A major challenge for stem cell therapies, such as using mesenchymal stem cells to treat skin injuries, is the stable engraftment of exogenous cells and the maintenance of their regenerative capacities in the wound areas. DNA-based self-assembly strategies can be used for artificial and multifunctional cell surface engineering to stabilize and enhance their functions for therapeutic applications. Here, we developed DNA nanofiber-decorated stem cells, in which DNA-based, multivalent fiber-like structures were self-assembled in situ on the cell surfaces. These engineered stem cells have demonstrated robust reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging effects, specific adhesion to damaged vascular endothelial cells, and the ability to enhance angiogenesis, which were effective and safe for acute or chronic wound healing in a mouse model with excisional skin injury. This DNA nanostructure-engineered stem cell provides a novel therapeutic platform for the treatment of tissue damage.

Bionic Fluorine-Free Multifunctional Photothermal Surface for Anti/de/Driving-Icing and Droplet Manipulation.

Due to safety concerns associated with ice accumulation, there is a need to develop a durable surface with anti/de-icing properties. Inspired by Gecko skin and Nepenthes, a superhydrophobic photothermal surface (SH-PS) with micro-nano hierarchical structure based on carbon nanotube composites is prepared by one-step laser method. It can be switchable to a slippery photothermal surface (S-PS) by injecting silicone oil. S-PS can effectively delay icing at -20 °C/-30 °C, and maintain excellent dynamic anti-icing capabilities following 28 times supercooled droplet impact (-30 °C). Under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, S-PS exhibits high-efficiency photothermal deicing and excellent ice droplet control capabilities. Furthermore, S-PS also exhibits remarkable droplet manipulation capabilities under NIR irradiation, even anti-gravity transport (8°) and programmable track manipulation. Notably, after 20m abrasion, the S-PS still maintains good performances of anti/de-icing and droplet manipulation after infusing lubricant. All these excellent performances can promote its application in a wider range of fields.

Poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) multi-functional pillar-patterned surface for osteogenic differentiation of pre-osteoblast and anti-bacterial effects to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

Cells are sensitive to the surface topographical environment, which can subsequently induce changes in cell morphology, cytoskeleton, and differentiation. Therefore, the topological environment in bone implant devices is known to influence the cell behavior, adhesion, and differentiation of osteoblasts. Furthermore, bone implant devices with anti-bacterial properties could be necessary to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs). Consequently, there is a demand for research into multi-functional surfaces that can facilitate osteoblast differentiation while also possessing an anti-bacterial effect. In this study, we fabricated and assessed the poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) nano/micro pillar-patterned surface to find the optimized dimensional characteristics of the pillar pattern for multi-functional effect. Results observed that the pillar pattern enhanced differentiation to osteoblast on the pillar-patterned surface (D1S0.5) having pillars with 0.5 μm height, 1 μm diameter, and 0.5 μm spacing between pillars and pillar-patterned surface (D1S1) having pillars with 0.5 μm height, 1 μm diameter, and 1 μm spacing between pillars. Subsequently, results of evaluating anti-bacterial effect revealed that the optimized pillar-patterned surface exhibited remarkable antibacterial effect, with the D1S0.5 pillar-patterned surface showing the highest antibacterial effect. Consequently, this study proposed and verified a multi-functional pillar-patterned surface capable of promoting osteoblast differentiation with anti-bacterial effects.

Tailored functional monolayers made from mesoionic carbenes

Significant progress has been made over the last decades in surface functionalization of coinage metals using thiols and more recently N-heterocyclic carbenes. As shown in this work, mesoionic carbenes (MICs) provide straightforward access to a novel class of surface ligands including electroactive ones and thus materials. Importantly, MICs are easily accessed from triazolium salts (TS) onto which functional groups may be attached with little synthetic effort. Here, we present a library of TS that were further converted, in situ, into MICs and grafted onto gold surfaces. The modified surfaces were thoroughly characterized by advanced spectroscopic methods such as XPS, infrared and Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. Through cyclic voltammetry at 100 Vs-1, we could evaluate the surfacic concentration of the grafted molecules for electroactive MICs. We also prepared mixed MIC/thiol self-assembled monolayers, which opens the route to multifunctional surfaces.

Zinc and melatonin mediated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant coatings accelerate bone defect repair

Inflammation and bacterial infection are important causes of implant failure, and the development of multifunctional titanium surfaces to address these issues is an effective means of treating infected bone defects. In this study, polyphenols (EGCG) and Zn2+ were first loaded onto the titanium surface to construct an EGCG/Zn2+ polyphenol metal network coating. Then melatonin (MT) was loaded into the EGCG/Zn2+ network structure to prepare the EGCG/Zn2+/MT composite coating. The results proved that the EGCG/Zn2+/MT coating had good mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, corrosion resistance and bioactivity. In vitro, the inhibition rates of EGCG/Zn2+/MT against E. coli and S. aureus were about 97 % and 81 %, respectively. In vitro experiments revealed that EGCG/Zn2+/MT could regulate the polarization of macrophages (RAW264.7) to M2 type, could induce vascularization of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and could promote the differentiation of pro-osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) to osteogenesis. Meanwhile, EGCG/Zn2+/MT achieved effective ROS scavenging within HUVEC and MC3T3-E1. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the EGCG/Zn2+/MT coatings possessed favorable biosafety, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and bone repair capabilities. This study provides a simple and versatile strategy for designing multifunctional surfaces with both antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, angiogenic and osteogenic properties.

A Multifunctional Reconfigurable Frequency-Selective Surface With Simultaneous Switching and Tuning Capability

A Multifunctional Reconfigurable Frequency-Selective Surface With Simultaneous Switching and Tuning Capability

Tuning interfacial molecular asymmetry to engineer protective coatings with superior surface anchoring, antifouling and antibacterial properties

Multifunctional robust protective coatings that combine biocompatibility, antifouling and antimicrobial properties play an essential role in reducing host reactions and infection on invasive medical devices. However, developing these protective coatings generally faces a paradox: coating materials capable of achieving robust adhesion to substrates via spontaneous deposition inevitably initiate continuous biofoulant adsorption, while those employing strong hydration capability to resist biofoulant attachment have limited substrate binding ability and durability under wear. Herein, we designed a multifunctional terpolymer of poly(dopamine methyacrylamide-co-2-methacryloyloxyethyl phoasphorylcholine-co-2-(dimethylamino)-ethyl methacrylate) (P(DMA-co-MPC-co-DMAEMA)), which integrates desired yet traditionally incompatible functions (i.e., robust adhesion, antifouling, lubrication, and antimicrobial properties). Direct normal and lateral force measurements, dynamic adsorption tests, surface ion conductance mapping were applied to comprehensively investigate the nanomechanics of coating-biofloulant interactions. Catechol groups of DMA act as basal anchors for robust substrate deposition, while the highly hydrated zwitterion of MPC provides apical protection to resist biofouling and wear. Moreover, the antimicrobial property is conferred through the protonation of tertiary amine groups on DMAEMA, inhibiting infection under physiological conditions. This work provides an effective strategy for harmonizing demanded yet incompatible properties in one coating material, with significant implications for the development of multifunctional surfaces towards the advancement of invasive biomedical devices. Statement of significanceMultifunctional robust protective coatings have been widely utilized in invasive medical devices to mitigate host responses and infection. However, modified surface coatings often encounter a trade-off between robust adhesion to substrates and strong hydration capability for antifouling and antimicrobial properties. We propose a universal strategy for surface modification by dopamine-assisted co-deposition with a multifunctional terpolymer of P(DMA-co-MPC-co-DMAEMA) that simultaneously achieves robust adhesion, antifouling, and antimicrobial properties. Through elucidating the nanomechanics with fundamentally understanding the interactions between the coating and biomacromolecules, we highlight the role of DMA for substrate adhesion, MPC for biofouling resistance, and DMAEMA for antimicrobial activity. This approach presents a promising strategy for constructing multifunctional coatings on minimally invasive medical devices by tuning interfacial molecular asymmetricity to reconcile incompatible properties within one coating.

Epoxy resin-based polymer-wall stabilized liquid crystal films with low driving voltages and improved mechanical performance for smart window applications

Polymer stabilized liquid crystals (PSLCs) have wide applications in smart windows and light shutters. However, for most applications, it requires low driving voltages and high mechanical performance, which is arduous to achieve both. Herein, a novel epoxy resin-based PSLC device is prepared showing improved electro-optical and mechanical properties simultaneously. This is benefited from the construction of a period polymer wall structure in liquid crystal matrix through cationic polymerization of epoxy monomers and preparation of multi-functional surfaces through self-assembly of silane mixtures. The multi-functional surfaces could ensure homeotropic alignment of liquid crystals and photo-polymerize with the polymer networks. As a result, the polymer-wall stabilized liqduid crystal (PWSLC) film with multi-functional surfaces shows lower (24%) saturation voltage, higher (20%) contrast ratio and improved (2.4 times) peel strength than the PSLC film with only vertical alignment surfaces. This research provides important reference to experiment and manufacture of reverse-mode dimming films for smart windows applications.

Integral and Surface Treatment Method of Waterproofing: A Review and Comparative Analysis

Water seepage into concrete can cause deterioration and other aesthetic issues that limit the life of concrete constructions. This paper examines and contrasts the various kinds of waterproofing techniques. There are essentially two types: surface treatment method and integral method. Water repellents, crystalline admixtures, and densifiers are examples of integral methods. Surface treatment methods encompass pore-blocking, hydrophobic impregnation, surface coating, and multifunctional surface treatment. The processes of various approaches are examined in this article, followed by a comparison of their durability and mechanical properties. We discuss several properties, such as sulfate attack, chloride penetration, carbonation, reinforcement corrosion, water absorption and permeability, compressive, flexural, and tensile strength. The findings indicate that each has merits and demerits of their own. The inclusion of an integral admixture to concrete offers a number of advantages over surface protection, including convenience of application, the removal of the need for ongoing maintenance, and minimal to no deterioration over time. While surface treatment methods significantly reduce water permeability and porosity. In conclusion, we give a succinct summary of certain issues regarding the present state of research and future directions for the hydrophobic modification of concrete.

Photofunctional gold nanocluster-based nanocomposite coating for enhancing anti-biofouling and anti-icing properties of flexible films

Elastomeric materials have garnered significant attention across biomedical and industrial fields. Multifunctionality and environmental stability are essential requirements for the application of these materials. Herein, we developed photofunctional gold nanocluster-based nanocomposites (SiO2-AuNC) and coated them on elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films through one-step way to enhance anti-biofouling and anti-icing properties. The SiO2-AuNC coating, created by immobilizing ultra-small gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) onto hydrophobic silica nanoparticles surface using a gel-sol method, forms an island-like convex structure. The immobilization significantly enhanced radiative transitions and promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species of AuNCs, which provided robust anti-biofouling property through photosensitization to the films. Meanwhile, the rigid SiO2-AuNC nanocomposite markedly enhances the wear resistance of the films. Additionally, the hierarchical micro- and nanostructure of SiO2-AuNC coating increases the hydrophobicity of the films, effectively preventing the aggregation of supercooled water droplets, thereby providing superior and durably anti-icing properties. This one-step coating provides a simple and effective strategy for multifunctional surface modification with nanoparticles, showing potential biomedical and industrial applications.

Antibacterial of PSf substrate and PA active layer of TFN membrane made by POM/3-API hybrid in situ FO separation performance and photo-degradation of organic pollutant

Membrane bacterial studies are stable in modified FO membrane that shows superior antibacterial activity against Tetrasphaeria (minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 0.00350, 0.11 μg/mL). Due to augmented interventions of the containments in the water resources, essential novel hybrids construct of polyoxometalate with imidazole for the separation process and photo catalytic degradation of organic pollutants have been recognized and scouted in this paper. This work demonstrated the separation and photocatalytic extraction of the organic pollutants from the potable and waste water using organo-polyoxometalate ionic salts as hybrids designated as polyoxometalate with 3-(aminopropyl) imidazole (POM/3-API). Hybrid materials are strategically prepared in one-pot via counter acidic proton exchange between POM (O- ions) which tends to move towards N- containing organic molecules, which are doped with manganese (IV) ions. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) studies show physico-chemical adsorption of the hybrids, PSf substrate and on PA layer of membranes, proving the multifunctional surface characteristics morphological formation. In addition, POM/3-API hybrids were synthesized via shock acoustic that reveals higher permeate flux through separation process and almost disappears (PAPI-1: 81.4 %) with MO during degradation process. Remarkably, the morphological changes of observed shapes before and after MO clearly show an effective performance, as was definite by the successful interfacial polymerization between membrane and POM/3-API. These help towards elimination of MO dyes at waste water sources, making the process environment-friendly.

Ultrasonic spraying quercetin chitosan nonwovens with antibacterial and deodorizing properties for sanitary napkin

With economic and social development, there is a growing focus on menstrual hygiene, and traditional sanitary napkins are no longer sufficient to meet women's needs. In this study, quercetin (QC) was efficiently and uniformly ultrasonic sprayed on thermally bonded chitosan nonwovens (CS) to prepare a multifunctional surface layer of sanitary napkins (QCX@CS). CS sprayed with 3 layers of QC (QC3@CS) exhibits excellent mechanical properties and high antibacterial rates against Escherichia coli (99.51 %) and Staphylococcus aureus (99.87 %), respectively. Besides, QC3@CS demonstrates strong free radical scavenging abilities, which have great potential to reduce the effects of reactive oxygen species on immune and metabolic functions during menstruation. QC3@CS demonstrates strong deodorizing abilities, with rates of 87.22 % for acetic acid and 90.88 % for ammonia, which could effectively eliminate the unpleasant odor associated with menstruation. Moreover, QC3@CS ensures excellent water absorption, anti-return properties, and cytocompatibility. This study may provide valuable insights into developing functional sanitary napkin materials based on natural extracts.

A monoclonal antibody recognizing CD98 on human embryonic stem cells shows anti-tumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts

CD98, also known as SLC3A2, is a multifunctional cell surface molecule consisting of amino acid transporters. CD98 is ubiquitously expressed in many types of tissues, but expressed at higher levels in cancerous tissues than in normal tissues. CD98 is also upregulated in most hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients; however, the function of CD98 in HCC cells has been little studied. In this study, we generated a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against surface proteins on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). NPB15, one of the MAbs, bound to hESCs and various cancer cells, including HCC cells and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells, but not to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and primary hepatocytes. Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry identified the target antigen of NPB15 as CD98. CD98 depletion decreased cell proliferation, clonogenic survival, and migration and induced apoptosis in HCC cells. In addition, CD98 depletion decreased the expression of cancer stem cell (CSC) markers in HCC cells. In tumorsphere cultures, the expression of CD98 interacting with NPB15 was significantly increased, as were known CSC markers. After cell sorting by NPB15, cells with high expression of CD98 (CD98-high) showed higher clonogenic survival than cells with low expression of CD98 (CD98-low) in HCC cells, suggesting CD98 as a potential CSC marker on HCC cells. The chimeric version of NPB15 was able to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against HCC cells in vitro. NPB15 injection showed antitumor activity in an HCC xenograft mouse model. The results suggest that NPB15 may be developed as a therapeutic antibody for HCC patients.

Multimaterial Digital-Light Processing of Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) Composites: A Versatile Tool for the Rapid Microfabrication of MOF-Based Devices.

Patterning Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is essential for their use in sensing, electronics, photonics, and encryption technologies. However, current lithography methods are limited in their ability to pattern more than two MOFs, hindering the potential for creating advanced multifunctional surfaces. Additionally, balancing design flexibility, simplicity, and cost often results in compromises. This study addresses these challenges by combining Digital-Light Processing (DLP) with a capillary-assisted stop-flow system to enable multimaterial MOF patterning. It demonstrates the desktop fabrication of multiplexed arbitrary micropatterns across cm-scale areas while preserving the MOF's pore accessibility. The ink, consisting of a MOF crystal suspension in a low volatile solvent, a mixture of high molecular weight oligomers, and a photoinitiator, is confined by capillarity in the DLP projection area and quickly exchanged using syringe pumps. The versatility of this method is demonstrated by the direct printing of a ZIF-8-based luminescent oxygen sensor, a 5-component dynamic information concealment method, and a PCN-224-based colorimetric sensor for amines, covering disparate pore and analyte sizes. The multi-MOF capabilities, simplicity, and accessibility of this strategy pave the way for the facile exploration of MOF materials across a wide range of applications, with the potential to significantly accelerate the design-to-application cycle of MOF-based devices.

Development of antifouling antibacterial polylactic acid (PLA) -based packaging and application for chicken meat preservation

Microbial contamination is the leading cause of food spoilage and food-borne disease. Here, we developed a multifunctional surface based on polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic with antifouling and antibacterial properties via a facile dual-coating approach. The surface was designed with hierarchical micro/nano-scale roughness and low surface energy. Bactericidal agent polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG) was incorporated to endow the film with bactericidal activity. The film had good superhydrophobic, antifouling and antibacterial performance, with a water contact angle of 154.3°, antibacterial efficiency against E. coli and S. aureus of 99.9 % and 99.6 %, respectively, and biofilm inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus of 63.5 % and 68.9 %, respectively. Synergistic effects of antibacterial adhesion and contact killing of bacteria contributed to the significant antibacterial performance of the film. The biobased biodegradable film was highly effective in preventing microbial growth when applied as antibacterial food packaging for poultry product, extending the shelf life of fresh chicken breast up to eight days.

Rapidly synthesizing magneto-thermal adjustable high entropy alloy nanoparticles on carbon fiber surface for enhancing electromagnetic wave absorption, thermal conductivity and interface compatibility of composites

It is a significant challenge to develop a fast carbon fiber (CF) surface modification method that could generate a simple multifunctional CF surface, especially in the field of electromagnetic wave (EMW) and thermal regulation. Herein, the FeCoNiAlMn high-entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles modified CF (HEA-CF) was successfully prepared by microwave induced carbon thermal shock (MCTS) in a few seconds. The HEA-CF possessed magneto-thermal adjustability by controlling the elemental composition and crystal structures of HEA nanoparticles. It exhibited outstanding dielectric-magnetic loss and phonon heat transfer capability. Moreover, HEA nanoparticles and cellulose nanofibers on CF surface also formed multiscale interfacial reinforced structure. Consequently, HEA-CF/Polyamide 6 (PA6) composites demonstrated extraordinary versatility. MCTS5s-CF/PA6 exhibited the strongest absorption with minimum reflection loss value of −63.6 dB at 2.4 mm thickness. The maximum effective absorption bandwidth reached 6.67 GHz with thickness of only 1.9 mm. Compared with that of untreated-CF/PA6 composite, the thermal conductivities of MCTS4s-CF and MCTS5s-CF/PA6 composites increased by 45.2 % and 19.1 %. Simultaneously, the tensile strength of MCTS4s-CF/PA6 and MCTS5s-CF/PA6 composites increased by 19.5 % and 16.1 %. This new approach provided an effective way to realize multifunctional composites. Its low-cost, efficient and environmentally friendly process had great potential for large-scale production.

One-Step Fabrication of Composite Hydrophobic Electrically Heated Graphene Surface

Ice accumulation poses considerable challenges in transportation, notably in the domain of general aviation. The present study combines the strengths and limitations of conventional aircraft deicing techniques with the emerging trend toward all-electric aircraft. This study aims to utilize laser-induced graphene (LIG) technology to create a multifunctional surface, seamlessly integrating hydrophobic properties with efficient electrical heating to mitigate surface icing effectively. We investigated the utilization of a 10.6 μm CO2 laser for direct writing on polyimide (PI), a widely used insulating encapsulation material. From the thermomechanical perspective, our initial analysis using COMSOL Multiphysics software (V5.6) revealed that when the laser power P exceeds 5 W, the PI substrate experiences ablative damage. The experimental results show that when P ≤ 5 W, an increase in power has a positive impact on the quality, surface porosity, roughness reduction, line-spacing reduction, and water contact-angle enhancement of the graphene. Conversely, when P > 5 W, higher power negatively affects both the substrate and the graphene structure by inducing excessive ablation. However, it influences the graphene line height positively and is consistent with overall experimental–simulation congruence. Furthermore, the incorporation of high-quality graphene resulted in a surface that exhibited higher contact angles (CA > 120°), lower energy consumption, and higher heating efficiency compared to the use of traditional electrically heated materials for anti-icing applications. The potential applications of this one-step fabrication method extend across various industries, particularly aviation, marine engineering, and other ice-prone domains. Moreover, the method has extensive prospects for addressing pivotal challenges associated with ice formation and serves as an innovative and efficient anti-icing technology.