Recent progress in anti-icing and deicing applications of the photothermal conversion materials

The formation and accumulation of ice on the surfaces of outdoor equipment is a common and unavoidable phenomenon, and causes much inconvenience to human life and industrial production. Photothermal conversion, which converts solar energy into heat to melt pre-formed ice or prevent icing, is considered to be a non-contact, environmentally friendly and cost-effective anti-icing/deicing method. It is expected to solve the problem of ice accumulation, which has become a research hotspot in recent years. First, this work reviews the anti-icing mechanisms and defects of superhydrophobic materials. Second, various photothermal materials are introduced according to the mechanism of photothermal conversion, and the latest progress in the design and manufacture of photothermal anti-icing/de-icing materials are detailed. In addition, measures and mechanisms to improve the efficiency of photothermal anti-icing/deicing are summarized. Finally, the challenges and future directions of photothermal anti-icing/de-icing materials in practical engineering applications are analyzed. This review is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the anti-icing/deicing applications of photothermal anti-icing/de-icing materials and provide guidance for highly environmentally friendly and economically efficient anti-icing/deicing technologies.