Nanoscale peaks and valleys create long-lasting frost-resistant surfaces

Adding tiny cone structures and a coating of graphene oxide can make a variety of surfaces frost-resistant for over 150 hours – 1000 times longer than current methods. The technique is also scratch and crack-resistant and could be used to help maintain infrastructure in cold and humid climates.

Frost formation can be annoying in everyday contexts, but costly and dangerous when it affects infrastructure like outdoor power cables and heat exchangers. Traditional anti-frosting methods, such as superhydrophobic coatings or lubricant-infused surfaces, work only for a relatively short time and are limited by their vulnerability to scratches and environmental contaminants.