Recent studies in ACS journals reveal how innovative coatings and surface designs could transform anti-icing and de-icing practices worldwide.

Pedestrians walking on a wet, salted sidewalk during winter, showing anti-icing treatment to prevent ice buildup and improve safety.

Winter weather can bring scenic snowfalls, but it also introduces serious challenges for infrastructure, transportation, and safety. Ice accumulation on roads, power lines, marine equipment, and other surfaces can lead to costly damage and dangerous conditions. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of snow and ice events, researchers are racing to develop smarter, more sustainable solutions for preventing ice formation (anti-icing) and removing existing ice (de-icing).

Six recent studies published in ACS journals showcase a range of innovative anti-icing and de-icing strategies, from advanced coatings that resist ice adhesion to biomimetic designs inspired by nature. These developments aim to improve durability and efficiency while also addressing environmental concerns tied to traditional deicing methods. Below, we highlight six approaches that could transform how we combat ice in the years ahead.

Designing smarter surfaces

Understanding low-temperatures and how to deal with them is important to keep people safe and help mitigate the effects of our changing climate. This Perspective in ACS Nano looks at the science behind ice formation on surfaces and how our understanding of the chemistry is shaping approaches for both anti-icing and de-icing solutions. The authors discuss the pros and cons of different methods and highlight emerging strategies such as smart-response materials, active deicing technologies, and even AI-driven systems to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Durable, low-adhesion coatings

Ice on aircraft wings, turbine blades, and power lines can cause structural damage and poses a safety risk—not to mention economic losses from delayed flights or broken equipment. Lubricating coatings show anti-icing potential but are often limited by ice adhesion and durability. A recent study in ACS Materials Letters introduces a silicone resin with B–O dynamic bonds that enhance chain mobility and protect the lubricant. The result? A hard coating with ultralow ice adhesion (4.06 kPa) that maintains performance through repeated cycles. This could have very practical engineering applications, particularly for aviation and transportation industries.

Salmon-inspired coatings for marine equipment

Ice can also pose a significant challenge to marine infrastructure. But researchers have now developed a new composite coating inspired by the Pacific salmon, whose mucus naturally combines antibacterial and antifreeze properties. The coating maintains low ice adhesion even after 20 icing/deicing cycles, and it offers photothermal properties for solar-driven ice melting. With durability extending to 240 days in marine environments, this innovation, published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, could significantly reduce maintenance costs for marine infrastructure.

Anti-slip shoes that mimic gecko feet

Slips and falls are one of the most common and costly accidents for millions each year, but scientists have gripped onto a new idea for hydrophilic, slip-resistant shoe soles. Drawing inspiration from gecko footpads and frog toepads, this study in Applied Materials & Interfaces demonstrates textured silicone rubber soles that use capillary suction to grip wet ice. In tests, In tests, the new material had strong capillary suction even on wet ice, offering a solution that could reduce injuries and healthcare costs associated with winter falls. For even more on this study, check out our recent research highlight here on the blog.

Superhydrophobic coatings for safer pavements

There are various drawbacks to traditional de-icing methods for pavements, including cost, energy expenditure, and negative environmental impact. This Review in ACS Omega examines superhydrophobic coatings as a passive solution, looking at recent trends with a focus on carbon nanotube, silica, and silicone systems. While lab results are promising, challenges remain around durability and scalability, highlighting the need for continued research to bring these coatings to real-world roads.

Mushroom-like surfaces with superior anti-icing properties

Ice buildup on telecommunication lines can disrupt connectivity during storms. One major challenge for anti-icing surfaces is ice-pinning, where ice infiltrates and locks into surface textures, creating a strong bond that makes removal difficult and slows melting. This study, published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, introduces a cross-scale surface with mushroom-like microstructures designed to prevent ice-pinning by minimizing interlocking and maintaining water repellency. The design achieved an ultralow ice adhesion strength and maintained performance after 15 deicing cycles, even under extreme pressure conditions. Such surfaces could enhance reliability for critical infrastructure in harsh winter conditions.

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