Achieving Extremely Efficient Anti-Icing/Frosting Surface via Synergistic Effects of Photo-Thermal and Calcium Chloride Superspread Embedding

Composite materials with photothermal effects and low freezing point properties have been widely explored for anti-icing/frosting. However, complex fabrication methods, environmental unfriendliness, and poor anti-icing/frosting performance have hindered their widespread application. Here, superhydrophilic multiscale micro-nano structures composed of non-stoichiometric titanium oxide are constructed on the titanium surfaces using a simple and eco-friendly femtosecond laser direct writing technology. The anti-icing/frosting performance of the samples is enhanced via calcium chloride superspread embedding. The laser-treated, titanium-calcium chloride composite surface (LT-Ti-CC) fabricated at the optimal laser scanning speed (100 mm s⁻¹) exhibits a high average light absorptivity of 96.15% in the 400–1100 nm wavelength range. The surface temperature of LT-Ti-CC increases by 32 °C within 300 s under 1 sun illumination. In addition, the LT-Ti-CC exhibits a ≈500% increase in frosting time, a ≈217% extension in icing time, and a ≈65% decrease in de-icing time compared to pristine-Ti. This simply fabricated and eco-friendly photothermal material may be efficiently incorporated into many anti-icing/ frosting applications.