Electrochemical Activation and Nanostructuring of NiCr Mesh for Superhydrophobic Anti-Icing and Energy-Efficient Electrothermal De-Icing
Abstract
Nichrome (NiCr) heaters are challenging to functionalize because their native chromium-rich spinel passivation layer inhibits strong metallurgical bonding and uniform electrochemical growth. We report a plating-compatible wet-chemical method that first activates NiCr using Wood's nickel strike, chemically removing the oxide while depositing a thin, adherent nickel seed layer, and subsequently electrodeposits hierarchical nickel nanostructures that are finally modified with a low-surface-energy monolayer. The resulting surface exhibits superhydrophobicity (static contact angle ≈158°, sliding angle
Fields of Study & Subjects
Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity
Icing and De-icing Technologies
Nanomaterials and Printing Technologies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 18
- Issue
- 8
- Pages
- 13148–13158
- Publication date
- 19 February 2026
- Language
- EN