Transparent Solar Thermal Metasurface for Efficient Anti-Icing/Deicing and Indoor Light Management

Abstract

Transparent roofs, such as greenhouse films and architectural glass, play a critical role in optimizing lighting and reducing energy consumption. However, conventional solutions are hindered by challenges, such as frost accumulation in winter and glare or overheating in summer. Here, a multi-functional transparent solar thermal metasurface (TSTM) is presented that integrates anti-icing/deicing functionality with indoor light management. The TSTM achieves a visible light transmittance of 0.731, diffusing over 90% of the transmitted light to enhance indoor comfort. Furthermore, the solar thermal performance of the metasurface is enabled by the high ultraviolet (0.660) and near-infrared (0.724) absorptance, and low mid-infrared thermal emittance (0.371). Its multi-scale surface and superhydrophobic surface (contact angle: 160.8°) ensure spontaneous dewetting transition during melting, enabling robust anti-icing/deicing capabilities. The metasurface effectively prevents frost formation at −10 °C and melts a 4 mm-thick frost layer within 310 s under sunlight. This work which combines photonics and interface engineering, advances transparent solar thermal technologies for sustainable architecture and energy-efficient greenhouse applications.