From waste to wealth: Sustainable design of icephobic and anti-icing coatings

The formation of ice and its subsequent accumulation on critical infrastructures, including transportation systems, power lines, and renewable energy facilities can present substantial safety hazards, result in significant economic losses, and lead to operational inefficiencies. However, conventional active de-icing methodologies, such as thermal heating and mechanical removal, are energy-consuming, costly, and environmentally unsus tainable, thereby prompting a transition towards passive anti-icing strategies. From this standpoint, anti-icing and icephobic surfaces are considered passive techniques that offer numerous advantages, including cost reduction and energy savings. In this review, we examine the latest advances in eco-friendly icephobic surfaces, focusing on mechanisms that reduce ice adhesion, delay nucleation, and inhibit frost propagation. In order to develop effective anti-icing mechanisms, it is imperative to elucidate the processes of ice formation and prop agation. Therefore, the objective of this study is to systematically review three aspects: (i) the wetting behavior at solid-fluid interfaces, (ii) the phase transformations during ice formation and (iii) the ice propagation stages from droplet condensation to ice bridge formation. Subsequently, the analysis shifted its focus to unconventional alternatives to conventional fluorinated coatings, including bio-derived raw materials. These alternatives were examined for their sustainability, eventual biodegradability and minimal environmental impact. Finally, the review documents the most recent advancements in anti-icing technologies and ice reduction strategies, emphasizing the utilization of eco-friendly materials. In summary, the present work provides guidelines for the design of next-generation icephobic surfaces with a focus on sustainability. The work couples theoretical prin ciples with recent experimental breakthroughs, addressing the needs for energy efficiency, safety, and environmental preservation.