A dual-mode laser-textured ice-phobic slippery surface: low-voltage-powered switching transmissivity and wettability for thermal management

Smart windows that dynamically fine-tune the solar energy gain are promising candidates for alleviating the global energy crisis. However, current smart surfaces easily deteriorate when rain or frozen ice dwells on the surface structure, heavily hindering their applications. Here, we report an electric-powered dual-mode slippery lubricant-impregnated porous surface (DM-SLIPS) developed by integrating paraffin wax and laser-ablated polytetrafluoroethylene (LA-PTFE) along with a silver nanowire thin-film heater. Owing to its fast electrical response, DM-SLIPS can be switched to repel surface-dwelling liquids within 20 s by applying an ultra-low voltage of 6 V. Simultaneously, light irradiated on DM-SLIPS can be finely-tuned between a lock mode and release mode in response to the solidification/liquidation of paraffin. Owing to homogeneous Joule heating, the DM-SLIPS surface can remove surface-frozen ice within 4 min in situ. As a proof-of-concept, the temperature of an indoor object shielded with electric-actuated DM-SLIPS could be reversibly switched between 34 degrees C and 29 degrees C, realizing controllable solar energy input. In comparison with previously reported surfaces, the present water-repellent, ice-phobic and transparency-switchable DM-SLIPS can be more useful for thermal management in extreme climates.

Automated summary

This study introduces an electric-powered dual-mode slippery lubricant-impregnated porous surface (DM-SLIPS) that can repel liquid and control solar energy input. It utilizes paraffin wax, laser-ablated polytetrafluoroethylene (LA-PTFE), and silver nanowire thin-film heater for fast electrical response and homogeneous Joule heating to remove surface-frozen ice.