ABSTRACT Wool fabrics are ideal for wearable and outdoor applications due to intrinsic flexibility, breathability, and biocompatibility. However, their hydrophilicity leads to moisture absorption, inferior thermal insulation, and ice accumulation in cold environments. To address these issues, this study develops a versatile wool fabric integrated with hydrophobic, photothermal power generation, anti/de‐icing, and infrared stealth properties via a polydopamine (PDA)‐assisted hydrophobic modification combined with in situ growth of Ag 2 S particles. The formed micro‐nano hierarchical structure endows HMWF@Ag 2 S with prominent multi‐functionality: (1) Effective hydrophobicity, achieving a water contact angle (WCA) of 139.3°; (2) Efficient photothermal conversion (efficiency ( η ) 62.3%), supporting its potential as a photothermal power generation and anti/de‐icing material. The hydrophobic HMWF@Ag 2 S can also effectively facilitate ice melting and removal under NIR irradiation, even in −20°C environments; (3) Broadband IR stealth capability covering the 3–14 μm band, thus filling the gap in multifunctional wearable IR stealth materials. Therefore, this strategy not only resolves wool fabrics' practical issues in cold environments but also expands their application scenarios in broader fields. image
Guo et al. (Tue,) studied this question.