Robust superhydrophobic surface for anti-icing and cooling performance: Application of fluorine-modified TiO₂ and fumed SiO₂

Micron/nano-structures and surface layer enriched with organic groups were flexibly obtained through the non-solvent induced phase separation method. A combination of surface roughness and surface chemistry enabled the surface with superhydrophobic performance, which contributed to excellent anti-icing property. Herein, the simultaneous application of fluorine-modified titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and fumed silicon (SiO₂) contributed to the superhydrophobicity with the water contact angle of 161°, as well as the freezing delay time of about 93 min. Simultaneously, this desirable anti-icing property based on the superhydrophobic surface was combined with excellent reflective performance to fabricate well-designed cool materials. The cooling property of the as-prepared cool material, which presented high solar reflectance of 101.1% in visible (VIS) light wavelength and 75.6% in the near infrared (NIR) light wavelength, was estimated to be 8 °C lower than that of pristine polymer matrix. Hence, superhydrophobic surface with desirable anti-icing property was successfully obtained, and the simultaneous cooling property might highlight its outdoor applicability in the locations both experiencing cold winter and sunny summer. For instance, the superhydrophobic material combined with the anti-icing and cooling performance is expected to be utilized as roofing materials, as well as station antenna covers.