Small· 2026Q1
Polar Bear Inspired Laser‐Induced Energy Storing Photothermal Superhydrophobic Smart Skin for Efficient Anti/de‐Icing
- 0citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
A new smart skin, inspired by polar bear fur, uses laser-processed micropillars and encapsulated phase-change material to achieve 94.52% light absorption and reach 82°C in 360s under 1 sun, enabling efficient anti-icing and de-icing at -20°C.
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Key points
- Smart skin inspired by polar bear fur integrates photothermal conversion, energy storage, and superhydrophobicity.
- Laser processing creates micropillar arrays on L-PPH/PDMS skin, achieving 94.52% broadband light absorption.
- Surface reaches 82°C in 360s under 1 sun with 49.47% photothermal conversion efficiency.
- Demonstrates extended icing delay and rapid photothermal de-icing at -20°C, with latent heat release aiding performance.
- Shows effective anti-icing on a simulated wind turbine blade.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces provide an attractive strategy for anti‐/deicing by delaying ice formation and enabling solar‐driven ice melting. Inspired by the polar bear fur, constructed a smart skin integrating photothermal conversion, energy storage, and superhydrophobicity. The smart skin was fabricated by using polyaniline‐modified hollow halloysite nanotubes as carriers to encapsulate phase‐change paraffin, forming a phase‐change energy‐storage filler incorporated into a PDMS matrix. Subsequently, laser processing was employed to construct micropillar arrays on the skin surface, to enhance surface functionality. The resulting L‐PPH/PDMS smart skin exhibits a contact angle of 152° after deformation and acid/alkali exposure, demonstrating excellent mechanical and chemical stability. The micropillar architecture enhances broadband light trapping, leading to an average absorptance of 94.52% over 200–2500 nm. Under 1 sun irradiation, the surface temperature reaches 82°C within 360 s, with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 49.47%. At −20°C, L‐PPH/PDMS an extended icing delay time and rapid photothermal deicing. More importantly, latent heat released from the confined phase‐change component further compensates interfacial heat loss. The smart skin also demonstrates effective anti‐icing performance on a simulated wind turbine blade, highlighting its potential for sustainable anti‐icing/deicing applications.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Small, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Surfaces, Coatings and Films
Surfaces, Coatings and FilmsMaterials Science