A Photothermal Superhydrophobic Coating with Un-Fluorinated Modified CNTs for Anti-Icing Applications on Concrete

The problem of easy icing and difficult anti-icing on concrete pavement has prompted using superhydrophobic coatings as a potential solution. However, the coatings are prone to wetting failure after repeated icing-deicing cycles. In this study, a superhydrophobic and photothermal coating consisting of unfluorinated modified-carbon nanotubes (M-CNTs) and commercial epoxy is constructed by a simple spray process on concrete for anti-icing. Incorporating M-CNTs imparts the coating with exceptional superhydrophobic and photothermal characteristics, endowing the coating surface with excellent deicing under sunlight irradiation. The contact angle of the coating reaches 151 degrees at-10 degrees C, and the freezing time extends from 55 s to 680 s. Under one sunlight intensity, the coating temperature rapidly increases from-10 degrees C to 81 degrees C, and the ice changes from solid to liquid. It effectively acts as a barrier between water and the concrete surface, making it highly suitable and valuable in practical applications.