Ice Nucleation Switch of Subcooled Droplets from Interdependent Interfacial Heat Transfer

Superhydrophobic surfaces with excellent anti-icing performance show promising applications in many low-temperature systems. Understanding the nucleation characteristics of subcooled droplets is of importance for designing advanced anti-icing/frosting surfaces. Here, we demonstrate that the ice crystallization mode of subcooled droplets is dependent on both the wetting state and airflow conditions, along with interfacial heat transfer analysis for determining the nucleation position. Based on the nucleation theory and heat transfer model of the gas–liquid–solid interfaces, a dimensionless parameter β to evaluate the tendency of homogeneous nucleation is proposed to predict the ice crystallization mode in complex environments, which is validated over a wide range of surface properties and airflow conditions. The critical airflow velocity required to trigger homogeneous nucleation decreases with the increase in the water contact angle. This work deepens the understanding of the nucleation dynamics and interfacial heat transfer, providing insights for designing high-performance anti-icing/frosting surfaces.