Robust Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Network Surfaces for Enhanced Anti-icing/Deicing Performance

Abstract

Slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPSs) have recently been intensively investigated because of promising potential in various applications that require water repellency. However, the use of SLIPS is limited by its unsatisfactory oil-storage and -replacement capabilities. Here we designed network surface structures with interconnected microchannels and cross-linked nanosheets, which acted as natural oil reservoirs and vessels. A lubricant can be firmly locked and stored into the networks, leading to an efficient water repellency as well as improved mechanical durability and stability. We further show the surface structures can be applied to anti-icing/deicing, demonstrated by its improved icing-delaying, anti-icing, and deicing properties even after multiple cycles, compared to those on superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) and the conventional SLIPSs. We envision that this unique design of the slippery liquid-infused porous network surface (SLIPNS) with robust stability and durability may expand its application in extreme environments.

Keywords: SLIPS; anti-icing; deicing; self-healing; water repellency.