Entropy‐Enabled Photothermal–Superhydrophobic Synergy for Durable and Scalable Icephobic Coatings

ABSTRACT

Excellent photothermal conversion efficiency and mechanical durability determine the application prospects of photothermal icephobic coatings. With the four core effect and flexible bandgap structure, entropy‐driven materials exhibit unique structural merits and are worth in‐depth exploration in icephobic fields. Here, an entropy‐enabled photothermal superhydrophobic coating is reported that integrates spinel high‐entropy oxides (HEOs) with self‐similar hierarchical architectures. Entropy‐driven multi‐cation engineering activates strong 3d interband transitions and abundant oxygen vacancies, yielding near‐unity solar absorptance (96.5%). Coupled with lotus‐like superhydrophobic morphology, the coating achieves ultralow ice adhesion (< 20 kPa), a 9.5‐fold delay in icing nucleation of a static water droplet, and rapid deicing/defrosting within 30 s under either sunlight or infrared irradiation, while maintaining performance after corrosion, UV aging, abrasion, and taping tests. The coating also conforms to large, curved substrates (e.g., metals and power cables), supporting scalable deployment. This work establishes a generalizable, scalable path for durable icephobic coatings on wind‐energy device and other outdoor infrastructures.