Photothermal superhydrophobic anti-icing coatings based on modified polypyrrole for cement concrete

Current methods for superhydrophobic modification of polypyrrole (PPy) are typically complex and challenging to implement at scale. To address this limitation, this study developed a durable superhydrophobic photothermal coating by modifying PPy through a facile surface treatment method. The successful modification was confirmed by TEM and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses, revealing a uniform polymer film on PPy surfaces. When combined with epoxy resin at an optimal mass ratio of 0.3, the coating exhibited well-defined micro/nano structures with a contact angle of 153.6°. The coating maintained good chemical stability and mechanical durability. Under simulated conditions, the coating demonstrated excellent photothermal conversion efficiency and cycling stability. In freeze–thaw testing, coated concrete specimens showed significantly enhanced frost resistance, with mass loss reduced to one-fifth compared to uncoated samples after 50 cycles. This innovative coating system provides an effective strategy for improving concrete durability in harsh environments. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.