Modified Graphene Micropillar Array Superhydrophobic Coating with Strong Anti-Icing Properties and Corrosion Resistance

Ice accumulation on outdoor surfaces tends to cause a series of serious accidents in extreme climates. In recent years, superhydrophobic coatings have garnered significant interest in the passive anti-icing field owing to their exceptional ability to repel water. However, these superhydrophobic coatings displayed inadequate anti-icing properties in conditions of low temperature and high humidity, as well as poor corrosion resistance after prolonged immersion. Herein, we prepared a series of modified graphene micropillar array superhydrophobic coatings that have various micropillar widths based on simple physical embossing and spraying techniques. These coatings combined the graphene nanosheets modified by perfluorodecyl triethoxysilane (AC-FAS) and the fluorocarbon varnish coating with a micropillar array structure to gain great superhydrophobicity and anti-icing properties. Among these, the average freezing delay time of the Q200G coating increased over 500 times relative to the unmodified Al surface (about 10 s), and its average deicing shear force was as low as 0.1 N. Meanwhile, the corrosion resistance increased steadily as the micropillar width decreased, based on the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test results. More importantly, such facile fabrication methods and multi-functionality make superhydrophobic coatings hold great application prospects.