An Eco-Friendly Sb2Se3-Based Superhydrophobic Photothermal Coating for Scalable Anti-icing and De-icing Applications

The integration of superhydrophobicity and photothermal conversion offers transformative potential for addressing ice accretion challenges in outdoor infrastructure. However, current technologies are constrained by fluorinated chemical dependencies, complex manufacturing workflows, and limited substrate adaptability. Herein, we present a fluorochemical-free, eco-friendly, scalable coating system through a one-step spray deposition of antimony selenide (Sb2Se3), stearic acid (STA), and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The synergistic incorporation of Sb2Se3 and STA creates a micro/nano structure with enhanced surface roughness (Ra = 189.937 nm) and low surface energy, achieving exceptional liquid repellency (water contact angle: 165°, sliding angle: 3°). The optimized Sb2Se3/STA/PMMA (Sb2Se3–SP) composite demonstrates remarkable substrate versatility, adhering robustly to diverse surfaces (metals, glass, paper, and wood) without requiring pretreatment. Notably, the Sb2Se3–SP coating exhibits a 4.67-fold extension in delayed ice freezing time (280 s at −20 °C) compared to that of uncoated substrate (60 s at −20 °C). Furthermore, the intrinsic photothermal conversion capability of Sb2Se3 enables rapid surface heating, rising to 80.0 °C in 180 s under 1-sun illumination (0.14 W/cm2), facilitating autonomous ice melting without external energy supply. Besides, the Sb2Se3–SP coating exhibits outstanding mechanical durability and self-cleaning property. This scalable, eco-conscious fabrication approach bridges the gap between laboratory innovation and industrial deployment, offering a sustainable pathway for energy-efficient anti-icing solutions in aviation power systems and cold-region infrastructure.