Robust fluorine-free static/dynamic anti-icing and photothermal de-icing superhydrophobic surface with multi-bioinspired structures and wettability

Photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces, featuring rapid water removal, delayed ice formation, and photothermal deicing capabilities, have emerged as promising anti−/de-icing surfaces. However, their practical application remains constrained by poor mechanical durability, complex fabrication processes or the need for hazardous fluorinated additives. Inspired by robust honeycombs and superhydrophobic Bauhinia variegata leaves, a robust bioinspired photothermal icephobic surface (BPIS) is prepared through laser-etching integrated hexagonal microframes and micropillar arrays as protective and light-absorbing armor, followed by spraying photothermal superhydrophobic coating containing irregular nanosheets. The laser-etched microstructures obtain strong interfacial bonding between the coating and substrate through mechanical interlocking effect and act as ‘armor’ to prevent the coating from being worn and peeled off. Even after 20 m abrasion, BPIS can maintain stable superhydrophobicity, static delayed icing time, dynamic anti-icing capability against 0 °C water droplets and photothermal de-icing performance at −15 °C. Notably, when applied to ice-prone surfaces such as rooftops, BPIS retains effective dynamic anti-icing and photothermal deicing functions. Furthermore, it demonstrates exceptional corrosion resistance, chemical stability, antibacterial adhesion, and self-cleaning properties. Our design strategy can guide the development of other materials that need to retain effective anti-icing/de-icing abilities in harsh operating environments.