Robust and Ultra‐Efficient Anti‐/De‐Icing Surface Engineered Through Photo‐/Electrothermal Micro‐Nanostructures With Switchable Solid‐Liquid States

Abstract Photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces present a promising energy‐saving solution for anti‐/de‐icing, offering effective icing delay and photothermal de‐icing capabilities. However, a significant challenge in their practical application is the mechanical interlocking of micro‐nanostructures with ice formed from condensed water vapor, leading to meltwater retention and compromised functionality post‐de‐icing. Here, a robust photo‐/electrothermal icephobic surface with dynamic phase‐transition micro‐nanostructures are demonstrated through laser microfabrication and surface engineering. The engineered surface exhibits ultra‐efficient, long‐term stable anti‐/de‐icing performance and excellent superhydrophobicity, demonstrating an icing delay of ≈ 1250 s, photothermal de‐icing in 8 s, water contact angle of 165°, and sliding angle of 0.2°. Furthermore, the surface maintains efficient anti‐/de‐icing ability and water repellency after 400 linear abrasion cycles under 0.93 MPa. Remarkably, under simulated natural icing conditions, where water vapor freezes within the micro‐nanostructures causing mechanical interlocking, the surface remains entirely non‐wetted after photo‐/electrothermal de‐icing, maintaining superhydrophobicity and effectiveness for continued anti‐/de‐icing. This exceptional performance is attributed to the designed phase‐transition micro‐nanostructures that liquefy during de‐icing, significantly reducing interactions with water molecules, as quantitatively validated by molecular dynamics simulations. This work provides new perspectives and methodologies for designing and creating innovative, high‐performance anti‐/de‐icing surfaces.