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Superhydrophobic surfaces offer notable advantages, including markedly low water affinity and reduced ice adhesion strength. Nevertheless, their practical utility is impeded by their limited durability and vulnerability to failure in cold and humid environments. In this study, a novel approach for devising an electro‐photothermal superhydrophobic (EPS) nanocomposite coating is presented. The findings indicate that the EPS nanocomposite coating exhibits both physical and chemical self‐cleaning attributes, showcasing a synergistic interplay of superhydrophobicity, electrothermal, and photothermal characteristics. The superhydrophobic coating delays icing about four times longer than the original coating. At ambient temperatures of −20 °C, the coating stacked with an electro‐ and photo‐thermal performance de‐icing layer reduces the de‐icing time by about 5 times more than the purely photo‐thermal performance de‐icing time, and reduces the de‐icing time by about 4 times more than the purely electro‐thermal de‐icing time. Furthermore, the EPS surface demonstrates the capability to sustain temperatures above 0 °C through the photothermal effect on sunny days, utilizing both the electrothermal and photothermal effects on cloudy days, and relying on the electrothermal effect during cold nights. The research introduces a novel method for fabricating functional materials, pertinent to practical anti‐icing and de‐icing applications. The EPS coating is specifically engineered to execute anti‐icing and de‐icing functions, employing both solar thermal and electrical methodologies. This dual‐pronged functionality underscores the EPS coating's proficiency in utilizing solar energy during the daytime and electrical energy during nighttime hours, all geared towards the objectives of anti‐icing and de‐icing.

Photothermal materials have gained considerable attention in the field of anti‐/de‐icing due to its environmental friendliness and energy saving. However, it is always significantly challenging to obtain solar thermal materials with hierarchical structure and simultaneously demonstrate both the ultra‐long icing delay ability and the superior photothermal de‐icing ability. Here, a photothermal icephobic MOF‐based micro and nanostructure surface (MOF‐MNS) is presented, which consists of micron groove structure and fluorinated MOF nanowhiskers. The optimal MOF‐M250NS can achieve solar absorption of over 98% and produce a high temperature increment of 65.5 °C under 1‐sun illumination. Such superior photothermal‐conversion mechanism of MOF‐M250NS is elucidated in depth. In addition, the MOF‐M250NS generates an ultra‐long icing delay time of ≈3960 s at −18 °C without solar illumination, achieving the longest delay time, which isn't reported before. Due to its excellent solar‐to‐heat conversation ability, accumulated ice and frost on MOF‐M250NS can be rapidly melted within 720 s under 1‐sun illumination and it also holds a high de‐icing rate of 5.8 kg m−2 h−1. MOF‐M250NS possesses the versatility of mechanical robustness, chemical stability, and low temperature self‐cleaning, which can synergistically reinforce the usage of icephobic surfaces in harsh conditions. A novel anti‐/de‐icing material (MOF‐M250NS) is designed by combining micron grooves and Cu‐MOF nanowires structures, achieving robust icing delay time of 3960 s at −18 °C, and high‐efficient photothermal de‐icing performance of 720 s even surface at −20 °C, due to a synergistic effect of hierarchical micro‐nanostructures for solar absorption and effective sunlight‐trapped for thermal converting.

This paper reviews the application of various advanced anti-icing and de-icing technologies in transmission lines. Introduces the influence of snowing and icing disasters on transmission lines, including a mechanical overload of steel towers, uneven icing or de-icing at different times, Ice-covered conductors galloping and icing flashover of insulators, as well as the icing disasters of transmission lines around the world in recent years. The formation of various icing categories on transmission lines, as well as the effect of meteorological factors, topography, altitude, line direction, suspension height, shape, and electric field on ice-covered transmission lines, are all discussed in this study. The application of various advanced anti/de-icing technologies and their advantages and disadvantages in power transmission lines are summarized. The anti/de-icing of traditional mechanical force, AC/DC short-circuit ice melting, and corona effect is introduced. Torque pendulum and diameter-expanded conductor (DEC) have remarkable anti-icing effects, and the early investment resources are less, the cost is low, and the later maintenance is not needed. In view of some deficiencies of AC and DC ice melting, the current transfer intelligent ice melting device (CTIIMD) can solve the problem well. The gadget has a good effect and high reliability for de-icing conductors in addition to being compact and inexpensive. The application of hydrophobic materials and heating coatings on insulators has a certain anti-icing effect, but the service life needs further research. Optimizing the shed’s construction and arranging several string kinds on the insulators is advisable to prevent icing and the anti-icing flashover effect. In building an insulator, only a different shed layout uses non-consumption energy.

Due to the safety threats caused by icing, the de-icing system is essential in the aviation industry. As an effective method, the electromechanical de-icing system (EDS) is a new ice-protection system based on mechanical vibration principles. For the majority of the current research on system de-icing capability estimation, the effect of impedance-matching is not considered. Impedance matching plays a very important role in improving the performance of the electromechanical system, so we must also consider the impact of impedance matching when designing the EDS. In the present study, a de-icing capability prediction method considering the impact of an impedance-matching device is established based on experimental and numerical methods. The results indicate that the impedance-matching effect has no impact on the mechanical vibration of the structure for the same load power. Meanwhile, impedance-matching devices can significantly improve the power factor and increase the interface shear stress/strain for de-icing. Eight different vibrational modes were tested, and the experimental results showed that the actual interface shear strain after impedance matching is inversely proportional to the de-icing time. The verification experiments were conducted and the accuracy of the proposed prediction method was verified.

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 20 m 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. A micro‐nano hierarchical superhydrophobic photothermal surface (SH‐PS) based on carbon nanotube composites is prepared by one‐step laser. Injecting lubricant turns it into a slippery photothermal surface (S‐PS), which has stable static/dynamic anti‐icing, photothermal deicing, and liquid/ice droplet control capabilities. Even abraded SH‐PS still presents remarkable anti/de/driving‐icing and droplet manipulation stabilities after infusing lubricant.

Transparent surfaces with autonomous anti-fogging and de-icing capabilities are critical for smart windows, eyewear, and optical sensors. Existing solutions relying on wettability engineering or bulk photothermal materials suffer from poor transparency, contamination vulnerability, or energy inefficiency. Here, we report an ultrathin (2.5 nm) MXene film self-assembled at liquid-liquid interfaces via Marangoni flow, achieving 82.5 % visible transparency while enabling a high photothermal conversion effect (ΔT∼25.1°C ± 2.9°C) under 100 mW cm . It is due to the unique percolative MXene network formed at ultralow loading (< 0.1 mg cm ), leveraging the critical percolation thresholds to reconcile ultraviolet (UV, 300-400 nm) and near-infrared (NIR, 700-2000 nm) absorption with visible transparency (82.5 %, 400-700 nm), which overcomes the trade-off between solar harvesting and transparency. Therefore, coupled with a silicone oil-infused slippery surface, the composite coating (TPSS) exhibits rapid ice shedding (85 s at -20°C under 1 sun) and fog resistance (at 90 % humidity). Outdoor demonstrations (Beijing, 2.1°C) on eyewear and architectural models validate frost suppression, rapid de-icing, and mechanical flexibility. This scalable, sunlight-powered platform bridges transparency and icephobicity for next-generation optical devices.

The scope of this article is to review the potential causes that can lead to wind turbine blade failures, assess their significance to a turbine’s performance and secure operation and summarize the techniques proposed to prevent these failures and eliminate their consequences. Damage to wind turbine blades can be induced by lightning, fatigue loads, accumulation of icing on the blade surfaces and the exposure of blades to airborne particulates, causing so-called leading edge erosion. The above effects can lead to damage ranging from minor outer surface erosion to total destruction of the blade. All potential causes of damage to wind turbine blades strongly depend on the surrounding environment and climate conditions. Consequently, the selection of an installation site with favourable conditions is the most effective measure to minimize the possibility of blade damage. Otherwise, several techniques and methods have already been applied or are being developed to prevent blade damage, aiming to reduce damage risk if not able to eliminate it. The combined application of damage prevention strategies with a SCADA system is the optimal approach to adequate treatment.

The integration of photothermal de‐icing and micro/nanostructured anti‐icing technologies into a surface is regarded as a promising solution to solve ice accretion aggravated. Unfortunately, light‐dependent heat effect and large‐scale production of micro/nano building still challenge the anti‐icing ability and applications for real‐world. Herein, a stick‐and‐play film embedded with bioinspired thermal‐management cells is developed. Inspired by the hollow framework of lotus seedpods, thermal‐management hydrophobic microcells (THMC) are designed by incorporating candle soot into insulating porous diatomite. Once embedding such microcells into PDMS substrate, the resulting THMC film delivers effective photothermal effect since the synergy of photothermal and insulation design. COMSOL simulations demonstrate thermal management effect of the “framework” and “photothermal seeds,” which causes increases in the heating rate by 20% and equilibrium temperature by 10%. Moreover, the self‐similarity structure of THMCs enable them to have durable hydrophobicity (148.7°) and photothermal effect (79.9 °C) even after repeated abrasions. When a stick‐and‐play functionality is imparted by designing adjustable milli‐suction cups, this THMC film could adhere effectively to various surfaces despite dry and humid conditions while maintaining efficient anti‐/de‐icing capabilities. This study provides a designing strategy of robust and efficient photothermal films constructed from THMC and finds flexible use for diverse surfaces. Inspired by the seed‐and‐framework structure of lotus seedpods, a photothermal anti‐icing film is developed by embedding thermal‐management hydrophobic microcells (THMC) into PDMS. Combining photothermal/insulating synergy and hydrophobic microcells, it achieves heat accumulation, surface adhesion, and robust anti‐icing under weak light, enabling scalable fabrication for industrial and daily icing‐resistant applications.

High optical transmittance can endow solar panels with sufficient light energy intake, while anti‐fouling and anti‐icing properties ensure stable power generation in environments where dust, bird droppings, algae, and ice are prone to accumulate. A highly transparent and ultra‐slippery surface is promising for meeting these requirements. However, it remains a huge challenge to achieve superior transmittance, anti‐fouling, anti‐icing, and durability on the same surface to ensure high energy conversion efficiency for solar panels. Herein, a bioinspired cellulose‐based ultra‐slippery film (BCUSF) with an extremely low water sliding angle (SA = 0.4°) and high transmittance (≈95% of bake glass) is reported. Benefiting from the impressive slippery property, remarkably low ice adhesion strength (0.38 kPa), and superior self‐cleaning and anti‐fouling performances are also demonstrated. Moreover, the BCUSF exhibits excellent durability and robustness, maintaining a SA of 0.8° after suffering high shear at 9000 r min−1. Accordingly, the BCUSF with highly comprehensive performance enables solar panels to maintain high energy‐conversion efficiency after repeated accumulation/cleaning of ice (ice adhesion strength = 0.91 kPa after 25 tests) and dust, or sand impact. It is envisioned that the BCUSF can boost the practical applications of slippery films on solar panels. Accumulations of ice, dust, bird droppings, and algae pose a significant risk of reducing the energy‐conversion efficiency of solar panels. Here, an articular cartilage‐inspired cellulose‐based ultra‐slippery film with highly comprehensive performances is reported. Specifically, the bioinspired film integrates superior optical transparency, anti‐fouling and de‐icing properties, which can ensure the durable and efficient power generation of solar panels.

In response to the hazards of icing in the energy, transportation, and aerospace sectors, extensive research has been conducted on anti‐icing materials based on the solid‐liquid/ice interface theory, as well as reliable chemical and electro‐thermal de‐icing systems. However, there is an urgent need for modernizing anti‐icing systems to address diverse application scenarios. Gaining insights into the influence of interface action forces on water droplet behavior can proactively prevent detrimental icing occurrences. Nevertheless, under severe conditions where ice formation is inevitable, leveraging interface action forces to induce cracking and expansion of ice facilitates its rapid detachment despite potential challenges associated with complete removal. A comprehensive review elucidating the mechanisms through which interface action forces impact water/ice formations encompasses various approaches toward designing mechanically‐driven de‐icing systems. As ‘energy‐free’ passive anti‐icing strategies have not yet been effectively implemented, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms through which mechanical forces influence the evolution of solid‐liquid, solid‐liquid/ice interfaces, and solid‐ice interfaces, as well as the integration of mechanical forces with various types of active/passive anti‐icing methods, can facilitate efficient de‐icing with minimal energy consumption. However, there still remains a potential challenge in completely removing water droplets/ice layers.