In Situ Construction of Superhydrophobic Photothermal Coatings Based on Metal–Polyphenol Coordination Complex for Anti-/De-Icing Applications

Superhydrophobic photothermal coatings have great potential in anti-icing and de-icing applications. However, how to construct superhydrophobic coatings with high photothermal conversion performance and an appropriate rough structure is still a challenge. In this study, we first constructed the photothermal nanosphere coating by in situ co-deposition of tannic acid (TA) and (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) and then by the coordination of iron ions (Fe3+). A superhydrophobic photothermal coating with a micro–nano–nano hierarchical rough structure was constructed by further applying a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/hydrophobic fumed silica (SiO2) coating. The coating has excellent superhydrophobic (water contact angle (WCA) of 158°) and efficient photothermal conversion performance (75 °C). Based on this, the coated fabric shows ideal performance in passive anti-icing and active de-icing tests. At the same time, the coated fabric also has an ideal UV shielding effect, which can ensure the long-term and efficient operation of the coated fabric in the outdoor sunlight. This preparation strategy provides an innovative method for the development of superhydrophobic photothermal coating materials and has broad application prospects in the field of flexible anti-/de-icing applications.