Non-Black/Gray Photothermal Three-Dimensional Nonwovens with Superhydrophobicity and High Permeability

Abstract Traditional thermal insulation strategies for outdoor work restrict movement, impair efficiency, and consume significant energy. Solar-thermal conversion textiles offer a sustainable heating solution. Colorful, superhydrophobic, photothermal three-dimensional air-laid nonwovens were successfully fabricated via a one-step co-deposition strategy using nonwovens as substrate, poly (tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene-co-vinylidene fluoride) (THV) as dispersing agent and adhesive, zirconium carbide (ZrC) nanoparticles as photothermal filler, and fluorescent dyes as colorant. The obtained nonwovens exhibited excellent photothermal property. Under simulated solar irradiation (1000 W/m2), for the nonwovens (denoted as NW-THV-0.1ZrC-1.0FDY) prepared by treating with the solution containing 0.1 wt.% ZrC and 1.0 wt.% fluorescent dyes yellow (FDY), its surface temperature increased by 36.2 °C within 150 s. In addition, the NW-THV-0.1ZrC-1.0FDY exhibited superior superhydrophobicity (water contact angle of 156°), high porosity (96.1%), and excellent air permeability (5866 mm/s at 200 Pa). More notably, fluorescent dyes were incorporated to endow the nonwovens with vivid coloration. This strategy not only retains the photothermal efficiency but also effectively overcomes the single black/grey color restriction of conventional photothermal textiles, greatly improving their aesthetic performance and recognition in practical applications. This study provides a feasible and effective technical strategy for developing high-performance, non-black/gray, and multifunctional photothermal textile materials.