Initial Stages of Water Absorption on Surfaces at Very Low Temperatures for Understanding Anti-Icing Coatings
arXiv:2311.04639 · doi:10.1088/2053-1591/ad913e
Abstract
Anti-icing coatings are intended to prevent ice formation on surfaces, minimising the risk of surface-related damage and also reducing ice-related hazards in society. coatings are robust, hydrophobic, and transmit light, thus they are suitable for a range of applications. However, their evolving surface chemistry during the initial stages of exposure at very low temperatures has not been investigated, despite that this is important for understanding their anti-icing properties. To study this, coatings were grown by sputter deposition, cooled to K and exposed to a atmosphere at . We demonstrate the usefulness of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as a tool for investigating the anti-icing properties of surfaces. We present XPS measurements of coatings before and after exposure to , in-situ and at cryogenic temperatures. XPS reveals that little to no ice forms on the surface of after the exposure at K. In contrast, ice was observed all over the sample holder on which the was mounted. These findings suggest that is a promising candidate for future anti-icing coatings.
11 pages, 4 figures and supporting information