A research team has introduced a novel Sol-Gel-SiO₂/rGO composite coating prepared via a straightforward sol-gel method. The surface achieves a water contact angle of more than 170°, combining extreme hydrophobicity with photothermal performance. Reading tip: Sol-Gel Technology in PracticeExplore the versatile applications of sol-gel technology in coatings with “Sol-Gel Technology in Practice”. According to the researchers, the combination of simple preparation, durability and multifunctionality makes the Sol-Gel-SiO₂/rGO coating a strong candidate for use in transportation, aerospace and power transmission systems. Source: Yin, T. et al., A superhydrophobic SiO₂/rGO composite coating with enhanced photothermal properties for anti-icing/deicing.