Fluorine-free photothermal superhydrophobic fabrics with self-healing and ice-resistant properties for cold-environment protection
Yuanlong Wu, Lei Dong, Xin Shu, Lei Chen, Youfa Zhang, Qianping Ran
Abstract
Functional fabrics are essential for cold-environment protection, but conventional textiles often lack sufficient resistance to moisture and freezing. Although superhydrophobic fabrics offer water repellency and self-cleaning, their practical application is hindered by poor durability, fluorinated compounds, and limited anti-icing performance. Here, we present a fluorine-free, scalable strategy to fabricate durable photothermal superhydrophobic fabrics (PSF) using a one-step spraying method. The design is based on raspberry-like polydopamine–silica (PDA@SiO 2 ) core–shell nanoparticles and a supramolecular polymer matrix. This architecture enhances broadband absorption, mechanical robustness, and dispersion stability. The resulting PSF exhibits a high water contact angle (162.6°), strong liquid impingement resistance, and excellent mechanical and chemical durability. After O 2 plasma treatment, the surface spontaneously recovers its superhydrophobicity, confirming its self-healing ability. Anti-icing performance is demonstrated by a freezing delay time of 838 s at −20 °C and a reduced ice adhesion strength of 23.5 kPa. Under 1.0 kW/m 2 irradiation, the surface temperature reaches 75.2 °C within 330 s and melts surface ice within 613 s. Photothermal stability is maintained after repeated bending and laundering. This study provides a sustainable pathway toward multifunctional textiles that integrate photothermal conversion, self-healing, ice resistance, and fluorine-free superhydrophobicity for cold-weather applications.