Research and application of anti-icing and de-icing on superhydrophobic surfaces

To avoid the significant impact of surface icing on daily production and life and to address the issues of low efficiency, high energy consumption, and high pollution associated with traditional anti-icing and de-icing technologies, this study presents a review of the associated research progress in achieving surface anti-icing and de-icing based on superhydrophobic properties. The theory of solid surface wettability and the common preparation methods of superhydrophobic surfaces are introduced, the passive anti-icing and active de-icing of superhydrophobic surfaces are reviewed and discussed, and the specific applications of superhydrophobic surface-based anti-icing and de-icing strategies in the fields of aerospace, ship, and electric power are presented. The problems and challenges faced by superhydrophobic anti-icing and de-icing surfaces in practical applications are summarized and analyzed, and future development directions are explored. © 2024 Editorial Board of Journal of Harbin Engineering. All rights reserved.