Nano‐Silver Graphene Coatings: Photothermal Superhydrophobic Anti‐Icing Surfaces

Ice accumulation poses serious challenges to transportation and energy systems. Here, we report a nano-silver-modified multilayer graphene (Ag@MGs) coating that combines photothermal, electrothermal and superhydrophobic properties for efficient anti-icing performance. Through a capillary-force-driven, in-situ encapsulation process, the coating forms a uniform micro-convex structure on PDMS, achieving a water contact angle (CA) of ~154.5°. Silver nanoparticles generate localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), while graphene’s exceptional carrier mobility and thermal conductivity enable rapid heat collection and diffusion, enhancing photothermal conversion. The composite reaches 80.5°C under sunlight simulation and 38.3°C under supplemental electrothermal heating, achieving an icing delay of 102 s and rapid de-icing response. The coating retains superhydrophobicity (CA=152.1°) after 10 freeze-thaw cycles, demonstrating remarkable mechanical stability. This solar-energy-driven strategy overcomes limitations of conventional superhydrophobic anti-icing surfaces and offers a new approach for ice-resistant coatings in extreme environments. (https://doi.org/10.1002/rar2.70126)